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BENVENUTA 

A ROMANCE OF THE 
HUDSON RIVER 





BENVENUTA I 


A ROMANCE OF THE • 
HUDSON RIVER 













Copyrighted, 1914, 

BY 

Adele Sarpy Morrison 



NOV 25 1914 

©Cl, ,4887952 


DEDICATORY 


TF IT WERE ONLY POSSIBLE TO ENTWINE 
■■■ YOUR IDEAS WITH THOSE OF YOUR 
FRIENDS, MAKING THEM SEE LIGHT AS 
YOU DO ; JUDGE CHARACTER AS YOU DO ; 
AND ENJOY THINGS WITH EQUAL EN- 
THUSIASM TO YOURS; MUCH OF THE 
MATTER LAID OPEN FOR DISCUSSION 
WOULD BE DIVESTED OF ITS CHARM; A 
CONVERSATION ROBBED OF ITS VERSA- 
TILITY AND WRITING OF ITS GROUND 
FOR HARSH CRITICISM, ESPECIALLY, 
WHEN THE WORK IS FOUNDED FOR THE 
GREATER PART UPON FICTION. 



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CONTENTS 


Chapter I 9 

Chapter II 20 

Chapter III 27 

Chapter IV 46 

Chapter V 50 

Chapter VI 60 

Chapter VII 67 

Chapter VIII 73 

Chapter IX 79 

Chapter X 81 

Chapter XI 88 

Chapter XII 92 

Chapter XIII 99 

Chapter XIV 110 

Chapter XV 117 

Chapter XVI 121 

Chapter XVII 123 

Chapter XVIII 133 

Chapter XIX 139 

Chapter XX 142 

Chapter XXI 149 

Chapter XXII 155 

Chapter XXIII 157 

Chapter XXIV 165 

Chapter XXV 173 

Chapter XXVI 178 

Chapter XXVII 186 

Chapter XXVIII 192 

Chapter XXIX 200 

Chapter XXX 205 

Chapter XXXI 218 

Chapter XXXII 231 


















CHAPTER I 


H EE home was in New York City. Her educa- 
tion had been given her within the walls of 
one of the most fashionable young ladies^ 
seminaries, from which she was graduated with the 
highest honors, hut not before having tasted of 
many of the experiences had by inmates of such 
walls. There was a great pretense regarding its 
faultless stability and its mental training, and much 
was said about the attention paid to preparing one 
for the ^‘entree dans le grand monde.’^ 

Twice a week the young ladies were permitted to 
receive friends in the evening, and suitable toilets 
were made for the occasions. Thus, some of the 
most desirable parties were entertained, and the 
manners of the young ladies watched over with great 
care. At stated times they attended the operas and 
theatres, these being considered means of advance- 
ment socially, as a young lady without society cul- 
ture and refinement could never be launched into 
the upper circles, or claim the attention so heartily 
desired by her parents and family. 

Upon their various walking expeditions startling 
and amusing occurrences took place, notwithstand- 
ing the vigilance bestowed upon them, some of them 
figuring in the after lives of these earnestly-sought- 
after young ladies. 

Annita, the pathetic character of my book, was 
much beloved and formed many lasting friendships, 
though she was one of the merriest and most venture- 
some. With it all there was a certain dignity which 
commanded respect, and attracted admiration from 
the young men callers. 


0 


BENVENUTA 


One afternoon, in the neighborhood of the park, 
a dashing young man^s attention was centered upon 
Annita, to the extent of making the chaperon indig- 
nant, and for some days other parts of the city were 
frequented for their daily exercise. But this 
greatly impressed individual was not to be so easily 
evaded, and the progress of their rambles was not 
infrequently impaired by his appearing upon the 
scene of action. Intuition taught Annita that she 
it was who had fascinated him and before long, as 
he was a stranger of considerable standing, he man- 
aged to appear upon the threshold of her life and 
to instill into her heart sentiments of extravagant 
admiration, the tales of which were related to her 
companions of no small degree of envy. 

It was the delight of this Adonis — for such he 
was — to pass her home of the present time, not infre- 
quently, and that in the gloaming. The young ladies 
were aware of it : One of them with unusually mis- 
chievous tendencies persuaded a lad to trip him up 
by stretching a wire across the sidewalk, thus atford- 
ing cause for mirth, while putting a quietus upon 
his ardor. 

There was a dash about him giving the idea that 
he was of Southern origin, and while that was the 
case, his present home was in the '‘Land of Som- 
breros,^’ which he had not abandoned. 

Ere long, through letters of introduction, his 
entree to the best circles was assured him, and soon 
the young ladies were vying with each other for his 
favor. Time went on and toward the close of the 
season some doubts arose about him, and one was 
forced to say, "Beauty in either man or woman has 


10 


BENVENUTA 


ever been a dangerous thing since the days of Helen 
of Troy/^ He was not easily suppressed, and the 
wonder was how he kept his footing so well. Per- 
haps it was a case where men think their way through 
difficuties, where women feel them. 

The pathetic character of this little romance is 
beautiful, intellectual and possessed of such charm 
and grace of manner as to win from the old, enco- 
miums of praise upon her fascinations — from the 
young men such admiration as to cause her heart 
almost to be torn in shreds. For to each she would 
like to give a token of her most undying but uncer- 
tain love ; while those of them whose attentions were 
a compliment declined sharing honors, and, stepping 
aside, waited to see the outcome of the game of love. 

Fortune enabled her parents to send her far and 
wide in search of such last touches as many think 
advisable Avith a conA^ent education — no doubt witli 
others. In fact, to exchange well-guarded inexpe- 
rience and timidity for self-reliance, and perhaps 
self-satisfaction. We are wont to think that the girl 
of push proves the greatest success, but in her case 
naturalness and staunch traits of character laid the 
seed for her future life, which Avas to grow in love 
for others, Avhile it strengthened in love for herself. 

Rather of a brunette type, her fine large brown 
eyes, so full of expression, first attracted your atten- 
tion and then you found yourself pleased with her 
soft, wavy, chestnut hair, and her smooth Titian- 
like coloring, where sometimes rose hues spread 
themselves over her well-rounded cheeks; and her 
lips, always cherry-like, invited a disclosure of the 
pearly teeth so carefully concealed. The picture 


11 


BENVENUTA 


was a pleasing one and not soon to be forgotten. 
Indeed, those who had seen it, would not be apt to do 
so, and are wont to ask for the outcome of a life start- 
ing out under such roseate hues. It makes a pretty 
little story even begun at the stage when she is de- 
veloping into young ladydom, where every occur- 
rence is developing into a halo of glory, and the most 
trifling incident adds to happiness and joyous ex- 
pectations regarding the next denouement. 

Her winter home was in New York and her ad- 
mirers manifold, and of the most varied types, vying 
Avith each other for the honor of her preference. 
One of the just causes of her popularity was the 
fact that she was beloved by her girl friends as well, 
who, strange to say, seemed to cede to her the right 
to be as much loved as her sweet nature entitled her 
to be. Such characters are oftentimes weak, but in 
this instance that was not the case, though through 
the channel of love a golden thread could lead her. 
And yet the day was to come, not far distant, when 
she would assert herself, unfortunately to her detri- 
ment. Ere we reach this point, much is to be related 
of her life, with most varied experiences and inter- 
esting episodes. 

Shortly after leaving school she took a trip 
abroad with a doting mother, whose every thought 
was centered in her, and the grand success she was 
promising herself life would be for her treasure. 

They sailed away on one of the ocean ^s finest 
steamers having been showered with all manner of 
attention, — bouquets galore ; bon bons from Huyler ’s 
choicest grade and most tasty arrangement; books 
with many touching sentiments marked in them, etc.. 


12 


BENVENUTA 


and it was not long ere this charming and attractive 
young lady had inspired the passengers with great 
interest in her. Before the vessel set sail, friends 
flocked to it to bid them Godspeed and waved touch- 
ing farewells. Amongst them was one wlio came 
near being carried away. Indeed, the gang-plank 
was in motion when he boarded it. 

Long after land had been left behind, she sat mo- 
tionless in a quiet spot, gazing far away, in a mist 
of tears, upon imagined spots of scenery, studded 
with the recollections of her dear ones. Mother was 
below aiding their maid in caring for future com- 
forts. Chance arranged it that from amongst the 
floral offerings sent, she selected the one most pleas- 
ing to the eye, and it was destined to be long remem- 
bered, for imbedded in the La France roses — her 
favorite flower — was a note the perusing of which 
caused a glow of delight to overspread her counte- 
nance, adding perceptibly to the charm and the in- 
terest of the observing passengers. It was late 
before she left the spot, and aroused herself from her 
dream long to be remembered. 

Going to her cabin, which had been selected by 
the tenderest of fathers, with only the thought of 
their comfort at heart, she listlessly prepared for the 
first meal taken aboard, and when shown to their 
table, seats were found to the right of the captain. 
The ceremony of presenting them had been gone 
through with when they boarded the vessel, but nat- 
urally, in the usual atmosphere of flurry, while 
youth ^s thoughts were othervdse engaged. Annita 
was soon made to realize that she must arouse her- 
self in earnest from her dreams, which she strove to 


13 


BENVENUTA 


do, but unable to divest herself of regret and long- 
ings for those left behind, there was a tinge of de- 
jection which made her even more interesting, and 
when they left the table, her mother’s pride was 
stimulated by the thought that her daughter had 
impressed all most agreeably. 

Annita enveloped herself in suitable wraps and 
found a seat on the deck where she could watch the 
seagulls, and, as it were, whisper unto them sweet 
messages, to be borne to her dear ones ashore, for 
she knew that they would soon turn their backs upon 
the vessel and return to New York. 

The moon shone brightly that night, and the can- 
opy overhanging them was richly studded with 
twinkling stars; the splashing of the waves, the 
periodic calls of various kinds from the sailors, and 
the soft strains of music from the cabin below all 
tended to make Annita peacefully thoughtful, and to 
fill her heart mth the fire of love. 

It was then she conceived the idea of writing a 
note and getting one of the sailors to attach it to the 
neck of one of the gulls, and then see if anything 
came of it. The note was short but sweet. On its 
outer covering ‘‘Take to such an address and get 
your reward.” The sailor, for a handsome com- 
pensation, did it up in such style that it did reach 
its destination, and from that episode sprang one 
of the sweetest romances of her life. 

The voyage was, on the whole, a fine one. Pas- 
sengers were many of them most agreeable, and 
though Annita had been warned by her father to be 
reserved, so pleasing were the attentions of some of 
the gentlemen that she found herself being greatly 


14 


BENVENUTA 


sought after and much entertained — by one of them 
in particular, who upon close inquiry was found to 
be a Scotch-Irish gentleman of good social standing 
— Bradley McLaud. 

Their time was passed in walking the deck; listen- 
ing to lovely music; enjoying five meals a day, one 
might say, for it was breakfast, luncheon, afternoon 
tea, dinner and supper, all of which were well pre- 
pared and delightfully served. The captain enjoyed 
her charm and grace of manner, her beauty, lovely 
costumes and natural vivacity so much that the 
greater part of his attention was bestowed upon the 
girl whom he flattered by saying she reminded him 
of one of his own. What greater compliment could 
be paid, for ‘ ^ every crow thinks his own the blackest. ’ ’ 

There seemed to be a species of rivalry between 
two of the gentlemen: On the part of one it was 
most amusing, for he was a Frenchman, of entirely 
a different type from the Scotchman, and possessed 
of the impulsive nature which contrasted so forcibly 
with the Scotch deliberate characteristics, and it was 
not infrequently when they promenaded together 
that he would shower them with threatening glances, 
almost inciting a quarrel then and there. 

Annita^s mother became anxious, but they were 
assured by the other passengers there was no cause 
for alarm, so that the elegant handsome opponent 
of his, continued master of the situation; and the 
couple made a picture that gladdened the eyes of all, 
and, it would seem warmed their hearts. 

So absorbed were they in each other that tliey 
were oblivious of what transpired about them. His 
only thought, barring Annita, was of her mother, to 


15 


BENVENUTA 


whom he was far more than courteous, and some 
times when she was snugly tucked away in her 
steamer chair, they would sit near her and seem to 
form a happy trio. But for the most part, she was 
well pro\dded with books, and aided in descending 
to her meals, when conversation was most general 
and jolly. 

The passage lasted seven days and it was evi- 
dent that this party did not like to see it approach- 
ing the end. As long as the moon shone poetry was 
ripe in their minds, and when it was about to hide 
its face back of the mottled sky the realistic side of 
life presented itself, and, no doubt, brought forth 
such a sigh as uncertainty alone can produce. 

It was only through persuasion that Annita’s 
maid carried the day and was permitted to store 
away in her cabin trunk some of her pretty gowns. 
The feeling was ‘ ‘ Oh, I shall not need such things ; ^ ’ 
but Elise, not long from Paris, and with experience 
^^dans le grand monde,^’ knew far better the require- 
ments of such occasions, and it must be admitted, 
her young mistress more than once expressed de- 
light when she was donning the gown she thought 
the most becoming, and best calculated to please the 
eye of her Scotch admirer. 

Elise regretted that Mademoiselle did not favor 
Monsieur, but frankly admitted the Scotchman to be 
‘‘un homme magnifique.’^ Mother felt, as all moth- 
ers do under such circumstances, that no man would 
just then fill the cup of her requirements, and that 
the case was not one which should arouse her anxiety, 
since similar ones had been left behind, and already 
were presumably forgotten. 


16 


BENVENUTA 


The vessel was about to land, the custom officers 
so dreaded upon returning trips were not visible, 
hence one annoyance was spared them. 

The couple had found a cozy corner where their 
last few moments might be spent in renewing prom- 
ises and repeating the ofttold tale, when lo : Monsieur 
approaches and thrusts his card into the hand of the 
Scotchman, who looked disdainfully down upon him 
and cast it overboard. A challenge, with all of its 
alarming features, stared Annita in the face, and 
mth greatest sweetness she quelled the storm upon 
the waves by advancing and entering into a conver- 
sation with this bundle of jealousy, whose bombastic 
manner and conceit had caused great amusement 
during the entire crossing. As the boat was about 
to land, significant and approving glances were ex- 
changed between Scotland and America, and peace 
seemed to be restored with France. 

The farewells were as such things ever are. 
Then why did Shakespeare say ‘‘Parting is such 
sweet sorrow F’ The Captain was almost fatherly, 
and hoped they would return by his boat. Indeed 
some tender words passed his lips as he shook her 
hand and waved them farewell. 

No one was surprised to see them escorted to the 
carriage by the two gentlemen. Monsieur giving his 
rival no chance to say a word apart, and the last 
glimpse the ladies had of them was their selecting 
their hand pieces, most likely to take entirely differ- 
ent courses. 

The tale goes that an etfort was made to ascer- 
tain the plans of the ladies, hut with such unsatis- 
factory results that an exchange of heated words 
17 


BENVENUTA 


almost called a policeman to the scene of action, 
which ended in the gentlemen each going his own 
way. Before many hours had passed the victor ar- 
rived at the hotel where his friends were stopping, 
possessed of such personal charms — for good clothes 
well disposed of certainly enhance the appearance 
of all of us — and they all remained there a few days 
and then crossed the channel together. It would 
seem that they were being pursued, but not so, as his 
business took him to France, where their prepara- 
tions for the different watering places, perchance, 
or what traveling they should determine upon, re- 
quired the necessary outfitting. 

During the fortnight spent in Paris they were 
naturally thrown in each other’s constant society 
and learned to feel that they could not exist apart. 
But the mails from home brought about a question- 
ing feeling within Annita’s heart, for the tenderest 
letters arrived with each of them, and fewer walks, 
drives and visits to the places of interest were taken. 
This almost crushed the valiant Scotchman, who be- 
gan to realize that he had allowed his cup of hope 
to fill too rapidly. 

Annita was a girl who, though reared in the lap 
of luxury, calculated to stimulate a vein of selfish- 
ness, had inherited a kindly nature, and regrets over 
her innocent, rather thoughtless encouragement be- 
gan to beset her ; and how to free herself from this 
entangled network of follies was her all-absorbing 
thought — I may say distressing one. Confidence in 
her mother, whom she had seen fit to mislead, was 
now out of the question. Then from whom was she 
to get the advice so needed at this stage of the game ? 

18 


BENVENUTA 


This question she asked herself more than once, and 
finally determined to probe deeper into the heart of 
the man, whom inexperienced but wise judgment had 
taught her would prove himself, even under these 
trying circumstances, the soul of nobility. Her 
effort was not a fruitless one, indeed was crowned 
with the glory which later on in life met its merited 
reward. 

Very soon thereafter she laid bare before him 
the situation of things, acknowledging that her mind 
was so full of doubts ; her years so unripe ; she so in- 
capable of framing the outlines of a life still in the 
kernel; and as woman is wont to do, aroused his 
sympathy by shedding tears, and received in reply 
the avowal that for him she was the only woman and 
would not be tossed aside for another. But on no 
account would he jeopardize her happiness and 
while she was toying with her own fate, he would be 
biding his time in hopes that bravery would meet its 
just reward, which proved to be the case. 


19 


CHAPTER II 


HE little note tucked away in the bouquet of 



La France roses came from a no less ardent 


wooer, who promised to join her shortly if she 
would only say where. He was handsome, refined 
and wealthy, from the American standpoint, which 
means much, of course, and was mother ^s prefer- 
ence, as an upheavaling of family ties would not he 
required. 

The Scotchman soon hade them a manly farewell. 
“Really,^’ he said, trying to he pleasant, ‘‘Only an 
Auf Wieder sehn, ^ ’ and when he had departed, ques- 
tions of herself began to harass her mind. But as is 
always the case when we are not altogether satisfied 
with ourselves, she sought refuge in the thought that 
her American friend would soon arrive, which he did, 
and proved to be the most devoted lover, relating to 
her all about the receiving of the note from the 
gulPs neck, which was delivered into his hands by 
one whom the reward greatly blessed, and had been 
the happiest moment of his life, encouraging him 
to hope and beg for the privilege of joining them. 

All went well for a while, his bliss was unalloyed, 
but she often found herself contrasting the two men 
and rather leaning to the one of the greatest strength. 
It is oftentimes the case in life that what we have 
within our grasp is less prized than what is veiled 
in uncertainty. All the sights of Paris were enjoyed 
by them, always accompanied by her mother, as 
French custom requires, and though his attentions 
were of the most delicate and pleasing nature, she 
found herself constantly straying in mind to the 
“Land of Laddies.’^ 


20 


BENVENUTA 


At last the time came for them to visit elsewhere, 
and tear themselves from beautiful Paris, so they 
determined upon Eau Bonne, and Eau Chaud, in the 
Pyrrenean Mountains, places which in Eugenie ^s 
palmy days were the most fashionable resorts. The 
French nobility were wont to gather there, and they 
hoped that some of the beauty and picturesqueness 
of those times still remained, where peasant costumes 
representing the different cantons would he seen, 
and where lovely scenery which begins at Pan, their 
first important stopping place, enjoyed by them all, 
as her mother had once taken delight in it. 

Beaching their destination they soon put up at 
the most important hotel, a stone’s throw from the 
bath houses, and the waters to he drunk daily, all 
promising well, and the guests they saw about 
seemed of the most elegant class. 

So that they retired after Annita and Charles 
had sauntered into the gardens far as the playing 
fountains, where swans swam gracefully about, and 
music filled the air, causing a light of satisfaction 
to shine from the eyes of the lovers, comparable to 
that alone of the stars above them. Bidding each 
other good night, they parted, he to seat himself on 
the veranda and enjoy a cigarette, with Oh, such 
glowing thoughts ; she to retire to her room, disrobe, 
and then seated at the French folding windows, gaze 
long without. 

Soon Elise said, if she had no further use for her 
it would be good night, and as the door closed a sigh 
of relief came from Annita, for she was at last alone 
— she above, he below, to indulge in fancy’s wild 


21 


BENVENUTA 


dreams. Weariness soon led each to their comfort- 
able beds and the sleep of innocence followed. 

The early morn shone in upon them with pleas- 
ing prospects, as the sonnd of lovely mnsic reminded 
them that they were to meet in the palm room before 
going to the spring, where following in the natural 
course they would hand their glasses to be filled, and 
then going forth, sip of them while enjoying the 
study of human nature in that gathering of people 
from all parts of the world. 

In due course of time they returned to the hotel, 
partook of a delicious breakfast, and mapped out 
the proceedings of the day. Eau Bonne and Eau 
Chaud are not far distant from each other, and they 
were then at the former, but intended to decide if 
in time they should go to the latter. With this end 
in view they drove off early in the day and en route 
were pleased with the country so different from 
their own, and descending from their funny little 
carriole would cull flowers and participate, when 
they could, in the peasants^ language. She asked if 
he knew why the daisy was her favorite flower, and 
he replied, ‘‘No.’^ Whereupon she said, because 
Keats had said when he was dying, ‘‘I feel the 
daisies growing upon me,’’ and that because they 
were his sweetheart’s favorite flower. 

All along the road they saw quaint looking houses 
and still quainter looking people in the peasant cos- 
tumes, and speaking the patois of the country, as 
well as playing on singular instruments rather of 
the zither type, sometimes accompanied by voices. 
They lunched there and about determined to make 
that a place to drive to, but Eau Bonne to stop at. 


22 


BENVENUTA 


Along the road the usual beggar, with his beseech- 
ing eyes, often attracted their attention and gen- 
erosity. Returning to the hotel they resolved to see 
something of the real life of this place, by entering 
into the spirit of it, and they started out in earnest 
the following day. 

The second day after their arrival Annita^s 
beauty and grace was seen attracting much atten- 
tion, and ere long Monsieur, Le Counte, et Monsieur 
Le Baron, as well as My Lord, were essaying to pay 
homage at her shrine. Their attentions were grat- 
ifying to her vanity, but irritating to his jealousy. 
Soon small squabbles began which distressed him, 
but angered her, and finally there was a grand 
flare-up and Charles took his departure. 

The mother and daughter tarried some time and 
then departed for Pan, where one of the English 
friends, met through some aristocratic acquaint- 
ances, induced them to stop over and have her take 
some lessons in the English style of riding — Amer- 
ican she was familiar mth — and he would see that 
she was given a chance to ride behind the hounds. 

All this time John BulPs ardor was increasing 
with miraculous rapidity, and his people were show- 
ing much attention to Annita. True to his words, 
she did ride behind the hounds and saw the first fox, 
coming very near to it, which entitled her to the 
reward, namely, the tail of the animal, made into an 
appearing parasol, with an elegant gold-mounted 
handle placed therein. This she carried off, much 
to the disgust of the English women, rather inclined 
to be amused over the thought of an American 
woman being able to keep up with them. 


23 


BENVENUTA 


Both mother and daughter were elated over this 
triumph, and remained long in Pan, to be greatly 
feted, adding greatly to the string of Annita^s ad- 
mirers. At short intervals news of some character 
concerning the Scotchman would reach them and it 
was learned that his strides towards prosperity were 
marvelous. On the quiet, Annita enjoyed this news, 
but flirt-like continued to toy with other hearts, until 
the day came that she was called to a halt and asked 
for a decisive answer concerning the ardent pursuer 
and contributor of her pleasures, which she declined 
to give until father should be consulted, affording 
herself a means of escape, as love for him was far 
from her thoughts. But the Englishman was not so 
easily quieted and soon letters were crossing the 
ocean to father asking for the hand of his daughter, 
etc., which brought matters to a culminating pitch, 
and made father demand their speedy return home. 

Arriving in Paris for final arrangements their 
friend from the Land of Bagpipers accidently was 
there, and without pushing his suit, made himself 
visible as well as useful, thus strengthening his own 
cause, but never again approaching the abandoned 
topic. That was too much for her, and before they 
parted she reproached him about not having asked 
about her particular enjoyments, etc., to which he 
replied, ‘‘No, my dear young lady, I have no right 
to do that, and am more than glad that you have had 
your dreams fulfilled.’^ This aggravated her so 
much that she was almost overcome by grief, and 
pride alone bridled her tongue. 

But he was wise and had mapped out his own 
plan of action. Of course, her inexperience caused 


24 


BENVENUTA 


her to show her hand, over which he was rejoiced, 
seeing that things were coming his way, bnt having 
no idea of indulging impetuosity. 

Telegrams were arriving from father, modistes 
were coming in fast, and soon they should set sail 
for home. Still only the most friendly interviews 
had taken place between them. He spoke modestly 
of his achievements, of the affairs of his family, and 
not for one moment did he contemplate loosening 
the strings about his heart. 

The day came for them to leave Paris, and at the 
garre she expressed regret that he would not see 
them off on the vessel, whereupon he replied, ‘‘Do 
you know the force of your language P’ which called 
forth a sweet and sad look from her eyes not to be 
doubted. Adieus were made and as she gave him 
her hand he saw moisture in her eyes not to be re- 
sisted, so he boarded the train bearing them off to 
Calais, and to the vessel homeward-bound. 

Their parting was almost touching for Annita 
had not taught herself control and now she aban- 
doned all effort to disguise and made him promise to 
come to New York before very long. Now, even his 
manly feelings were undergoing a very hard test, 
but he did find relief in the words, “I will be there in 
the near future if such a step is not distasteful to 
your mother. Her mother’s ladylike instinct 
prompted her to say, “We will be glad to see you, 
but, of course, our daughter’s happiness is our ab- 
sorbing thought.” 

Now the cry came All Aboard! and soon the 
gang-plank was to be drawn in so that the final adieus 
were made and Annita ’s tear-bedecked eyes followed 


25 


BENVENUTA 


him long after — one might say, followed him by day 
and by night. 

From what has been written, were a judgment 
passed upon the mother, it would be rather in favor 
of weakness of character, than strength, but in this 
an error would exist, for she was a woman of great 
force, but in her own plans of life she had been 
thwarted and for many years was most miserable, 
so that she determined to let Annita run the gaunt- 
let, I may say, entirely unmolested, thereby most 
likely reaching its end before the glamour of life 
had faded away. 


26 


CHAPTER III 


L uck wouM have it that they crossed on the 
same vessel that took them over and soon An- 
nita beheld the kindly old Captain’s eyes smil- 
ing down upon her with most sweet expression, and 
she almost feared a tell-tale face, on her part. But 
soon he had reached the goal of his researches, and, 
she, like a confiding child, had sought comfort from 
the fatherly man, because she feared disapproval 
from her own father. 

The passage was not a smooth one and that 
brought the travelers more closely together and dis- 
pelled much of the usual reserve. The first day out 
their attention was attracted by a very elegant though 
frail young man, though possessed of the remnants 
of marked good looks, attended by an old gentleman 
whom he called Uncle, and a younger one whom he 
called Doctor. On deck he was cared for by a most 
attentive — one might say tender — valet. The third 
day out was too rough to admit of his appearing, but 
the coming and going from his cabin by all three 
of them showed that nothing was left undone for his 
comfort. 

After several days of stormy weather, the ocean 
began to calm itself, the skies to become clear and 
inviting, when the passengers crept out of their re- 
treat something on the order of jug-rats, and shak- 
ing themselves in the sunlight, invoked a prayer of 
thanks that they lived to tell the tale. How little 
they knew of what had taken place and of the sad 
hearts below, for the only child and adored son of a 
widowed mother had passed away during the tumult- 
uous storm of the night before, as peacefully as the 


27 


BENVENUTA 


going ont of the life of a dear infant, in its sweet 
mother ’s arms ; and the old nncle looked down upon 
him through the eyes of a father he had gone to join, 
and the tears of an all-expectant mother, soon to 
have to realize that her crowning sorrow had come 
now. 

Everyone was most sympathetic and that fear 
of death so often indulged in was dispelled when 
they learned that the remains were to be put in one 
of the swinging boats at the side of the vessel, the 
stateroom thoroughly opened, but the door locked 
that the fearers of germs might rest easy. Before 
the remains were consigned to the boat, one of the 
passengers wrote the following lines, which were 
pinned to the bosom of his shirt : 

Oh, light that followeth all my way, 

I yield my flickering torch to thee; 

That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day. 

My heart restores its borrowed ray 
May brighter, fairer be. 

The Captain read the funeral service and the 
passengers sang appropriate hymns to the soft 
strains of music which came from Annita’s fingers, 
into which much pathos was thrown. 

Two days later the vessel landed and from 
amongst the peering eyes on shore were those of the 
widowed mother, clad in deepest mourning and try- 
ing to quiet anxious feeling when no sign of her boy 
greeted her. The uncle was the first to descend the 
gang-plank, accompanied by the doctor, and ere long 
heartrending cries reached our ears and almost sad- 
dened our return home. 

Soon life was going on with its usual bustle and 


28 


BENVENUTA 


even Annita^s and her mother’s sympathies were ab- 
sorbed by their own personal interests. The ap- 
pearance of a fond and anxious husband and father 
was a delight to them. He was accompanied by 
none other than Charles, — the sight of whom caused 
no heart fluttering on her part, though she strove to 
be most agreeable. 

Landing in one’s own country could not fail to 
arouse happy feelings, and being with a loving father 
was, of course, a source of comfort. Charles was 
soon absorbed by her mother, she by her father, who 
was, as well, the tenderest of husbands. But news 
of foreign occurrences filled his mind and he wanted 
to study his daughter, who had gone away not much 
more than a child, and now developed into a woman 
of her own strong propensities. 

Many pleasant alterations had been made about 
their charming homes — the one in the city, the other 
on the Hudson — and the husband and father awaited 
the effect these would produce in his dear ones. Need- 
less to say that the wife was delighted and that 
youth’s exuberant feelings were given vent to in the 
daughter. 

The father tried to read in the face of his child 
what his heart longed to know, but in vain, and then 
throwing the two young ones together watched for 
some expression of pleasure in her face that might 
illumine the light of hope in Charles ’ heart, for he was 
fond of him and would fain have seen him her choice. 

Soon Charles took his departure and then the 
entire house was gone over and enjoyed so fully that 
the generous and loving heart was well repaid, and 
again home seemed the dearest spot after all, to the 


29 


BENVENUTA 


travelers. The retinue of servants of long standing 
did their timely welcoming, and soon the arrival of 
huge trunks and cases caused commotion from 
which the father fled, until all was disposed of and 
consigned to orderly places, for order, with father, 
was certainly Heaven’s first law, and the contrary 
was all that ever ruffled his nature. 

That evening only members of the family were 
received, and experiences related, causing great 
merriment. Good nights were said, with Oh, so glad 
you’re back again!, etc., and as the last notes of the 
final departure rang out the chime clock struck 
twelve and ere they retired another day had almost 
opened upon them. 

Great was father’s disappointment at not hav- 
ing had a talk with daughter, but far into the night 
and day news came to him through his wife. An- 
nita had been snugly tucked away by her maid, Elise, 
and fatigue caused youth to fall into natural slum- 
ber very soon. 

Annita was found greatly improved, and why 
should she not be, after such a glorious trip, though 
cut short by love ’s antics, destined to have full play 
through her life, for she had been spoiled and was 
wilful, in a way. 

Somehow, though she loved her father, she 
dreaded the ordeal soon to be passed through, and 
resorted to all manner of ruses to prolong an agony 
she feared might be augmented. But the hour came 
when evasion was of no use, and when a chapter of 
questions, with all the pros and cons, was launched 
at her. Experience had taught this level-headed 
man that gentleness would be his most effective 


30 


BENVENUTA 


weapon; therefore, leading her to an armchair, he 
took her upon his knee, and began by saying, ^‘Well, 
darling, you must have much to tell me, and my 
father’s heart is hungering for it all.” 

His words were so soft and gentle that she could 
not resist him and with an arm around his neck, 
she told much of the preceding tale with assurances 
that she could never forget her noble Scotch admirer. 
This father took con granus, knowing that many 
such tales had been told and time had proven them 
to be only the dreams of romance. But he was sym- 
pathetic and encouraged all of her confidence, then 
and in the future. 

Old friends and admirers soon fell into the way 
of days gone by, and there was a round of pleasure, 
teas at home and abroad, theaters, operas, receptions, 
etc. A function of welcome home was given by her 
uncle, a man of wealth and distinction, followed by 
many others, — not the least of them her own, to 
which it would seem that chance good luck brought 
the Englishman, but soon to realize that her bow 
had too many strings for him to struggle with. 

However, the matter-of-fact instinct of his nature 
soon caused him to gain solace from another source, 
this time with less beauty, perchance more wealth, 
and that we all know is not distasteful, especially to 
a roue of an Englishman. The young lady was no 
one less than Annita’s best friend, Dorothy, and 
love had waxed strong between them ere her father 
felt called upon to ascertain the standing morally of 
this liege-lord, who had inspired in so many of the 
girls’ hearts such envy of the lovely Dorothy. 

31 


BENVENUTA 


Dorothy’s father, being a man of deliberation, 
took means of ascertaining that it was another in- 
stance of seeking American money, with family to 
offer in return, hut not accompanied by commendable 
character. This information was not gained in a 
day and the intervening time atforded opportunity 
for the strengthening of love on both sides, espe- 
cially that of a trusting young lady. 

When Annita had had a surfeit of town pleasures, 
she conceived the idea of having a house party im- 
mediately after Christmas festivities, in their home 
upon the Hudson, ^‘Benvenuta,” and, of course, 
grand preparations were being made for it on the 
part of the invited guests, amounting to twenty- 
five. Their home was always in readiness, with fully 
equipped servants., equippages, etc., and in a few 
days after the determined-upon time there was a look 
of welcome about the grand establishment, which 
aroused interest in all about the neighborhood, and 
filled expectant hearts with delight. It was to be a 
ten days or more of not frequently experienced 
enjoyment, and fear of those not included in the 
invitations prompted her requesting perfect quietude, 
which was fortunately maintained. The couples 
were to some extent paired off, that is to say, each 
man with his special young lady, but that was not 
throughout the case, Annita having so many admir- 
ers, that it was a question in people ’s minds as to who 
the fortunate one was — but not so with herself. 

Dorothy, had, of course, had her wish regarding 
the Englishman, which was fortunate for her, as it 
gave her an opportunity of learning from her friend 
what would have made her very unhappy if ascer- 


32 


BENVENUTA 


tained after their alliance. He was selfish, dicta- 
torial, arrogant and conceited. One might fancy 
this a character overwrought with undesirable traits, 
hut indeed this is not exaggerating in the least, and 
her dear father was spared much of his dreaded 
sorrow, by the absolute disinfatuation of his child 
when brought in immediate contact with him, and 
before long England was forced to smile again upon 
her son so cheerfully surrendered to another country. 

The day after they reached the home where such 
a warm welcome was bestowed, the snow fell fast 
and thickly, soon decking the trees with nature’s 
most beautiful mantle, and making the good cheer 
within all the more appreciated. Sleighs were 
ordered out and the guests in relays, one might say, 
drove through the woods behind dashing horses, the 
ringing of bells inspiring a dancing spirit within 
them. Being nestled away in long soft furs, cold 
was not felt, and the scenery was so picturesquely 
beautiful that one must perforce regret not hav- 
ing an artist’s turn. Truly, the poem of the beau- 
tiful snow must have been remembered by some of 
them. 

Until all had been upon this unusual round of 
pleasure the sleighs came and went, bringing back 
joyous people to fill the house with resounding 
voices of ‘ ‘ Oh, how beautiful. ” ' ‘ What a treat to the 
eye!” etc., hut sad to tell, one of the young men 
in a mad desire to secure for his lady love a par- 
ticular branch of a tree laden with icicles fell from 
the sleigh and narrowly escaped breaking his arm. 
The snow was all that saved him from an accident 
never to be forgotten. A doctor, of no poor skill. 


33 


BENVENUTA 


was called in, and after cansing him some additional 
pain, soon had his arm in promising shape and the 
pleasure of the party was continued, and Flora, an 
acknowledged skilled nurse, was so faithful in her 
care of him, that a question point had to be admitted, 
and with an exquisitely blushing face, at the side of 
a bandaged arm, congratulations were offered, and 
healths drunk to amid the clashing of glasses and 
the jeering of somewhat astonished friends. 

That night cards were played, songs were sung, 
— many of them college ones — and sweet soft 
strains of music from the fingers of girls of talent 
filled the air, and encouraged that sentiment so 
natural where love is ripe in one. 

A delightful supper closed the first day, the 
pleasure of which had been to a great extent marred 
by the accident. Snow fell in heavy flakes and the 
light which illumined the grounds of the sumptuous 
home peeped through every here and there like 
shining stars, which made one think of the teachings 
of the German children — the one that ‘‘When it 
snows the angels are shaking their feather beds;’^ 
the other that “The visible lights come from the 
hands of the angels, ^ ’ sweet and wonderful thoughts 
to a little one ; pretty and inspiring ones to the elder 
ones. 

All slept late the following day, and the first 
glance from the windows, which were frost bedecked, 
made one throw out their warm breath upon them, 
then scrape the pane and exclaim, ‘ ‘ Oh, how 
beautiful The icicles hanging from the trees 
were a mass of glistening stalactites, making the 
scene a veritable fairyland. 


34 


BENVENUTA 


All assembled at a late hour in the breakfast 
room where a cheerful fire of massive hickory logs 
was burning, crackling and sending forth a pleasant 
odor from their sap. As each person entered the 
room there was a hearty ejaculation of some kind, 
and soon around a delicious and bountiful breakfast 
repast, presided over by the most hospitable of 
hostesses, all sorts of merry plans were made for 
toboganning and all manner of frosty sports. 

All through the day gladsome voices resounded 
through the air, but they were not the only joyous 
ones, for the villagers, too, had a peep at the lives 
of those grand people, whom they almost revered, 
but must be admitted, with a tinge of envy. The 
ground was covered deeply by a blanket of snow, 
but it no longer fell, and as the sun shone upon it 
no more beautiful picture could be portrayed. It 
would seem as though Aladdin ^s lamp had shed its 
rays upon this joyous household, for it was indeed 
a veritable fairyland, and so far there had been but 
one flicker in the light, that, when love prompted a 
hazardous leap, now well nigh on the list of the 
forgotten episodes. 

Young people never collect together with a view 
of having a jolly time without having their heads 
full of all sorts of pranks and jokes. This was not 
an exceptional occasion. One of the amusing inci- 
dents is worthy of record, as it was fraught with 
great alarm, followed by equally as much hilarity. 
As evening approached and the gloaming was shed- 
ding its soft grey over everything, they sat in the 
ditferent quiet corners paired off, discussing past 
and coming events. 


35 


BENVENUTA 


By order, the downstairs of the house was not 
extensively lighted, and thus it was that a disguised 
man gained entrance to the house, and demanded 
valuables from the guests, who, terrorized, made no 
objections. The gentlemen protested, but being 
unarmed were powerless in defending their rights. 
When all available portables had been stored away 
in his sack he made his exit, and it was seen that 
there was an accomplice with him. 

Once the doors were closed and everything 
securely barred they gazed at each other in aston- 
ishment and frenzied alarm and one of the young 
ladies who had swooned came gradually to, remarking 
earnestly, ‘ ^ How glad we should all be that our most 
valuable articles were either at home or not upon 
us.’’ Even with people atf righted as they were, 
this caused laughter, as it would seem their lives 
were merely secondary matters, and she was teased 
for many days about valuing her worldly goods 
more than her life. 

That evening instead of being hilarious they sat 
quietly around a bright fire, popping corn, toasting 
marshmallows, and the men scaring the girls almost 
stitf with their ghost stories, and each little crack 
of the furniture, shake of a window sash, or jar of 
a door, would cause them to shudder and suppress 
a nervous laugh. 

When bedtime came it was with greatest temerity 
that they were escorted to the upper fioor by the 
gentlemen, to be confronted by maids huddled 
together, and only too ready to say, ‘^Was it not 
awful, miss?” Every bed was occupied by two 
girls, all communicating doors left open, the outer 
36 


BENVENUTA 


ones bolted and barricaded, secured with a woman’s 
greatest safeguard, a chair beneath the knob of the 
door. Shades drawn down to exclude every ray of 
even the most beautiful moon and starlight, up to 
this time so much enjoyed, but a dim light came to 
them through the transom. 

After some time fatigue overtook them, for 
house parties are very lively things and it is not a 
time for repose, and they fell oft asleep to be aroused 
by the stamping of horses without, which ordinarily 
would have created no consternation — now it did 
— but happily to learn that the wrong grounds had 
been entered. 

After the young ladies had retired the gentlemen 
repaired to the library to smoke, and then one of 
them, a wag of a fellow, confessed to its being a 
put-up job, of which the hostess was aware, hence 
her behavior was a pretty piece of acting. Upon 
one of his trips to the village he had secured the 
services of a reliable party to carry out this little 
well-plotted scheme, and an advertisement, with a 
liberal reward offered would restore the spoils to 
their owners, before fright had induced them to 
break up the house party. 

On the morrow the sun came out in all its glory, 
soon drying the paths and driveways so that they 
paired off and sauntered away, going to the hot 
houses, the palm conservatories, the farm and barn- 
yards, the stables, etc., with such fine horses. One 
of the houses was a '‘vacherie,” comparable on a 
very small scale to the one just out of the Bois 
de Boulogne of Paris, and here fine cows were 
37 


BENVENUTA 


kept, which provided the city house with milk, cream 
and butter during the winter months. 

The poultry yards were interesting to see, espe- 
cially as they were presided over by an old German 
of questionable age and most interesting history. 
According to his own tales he had served among the 
domestics of Emperor William in the same capacity 
and had fled from his country to escape chastisement 
for a fight he had taken part in over the girl he 
called ^‘Mein Schatz,’’ and disguised had come to 
this country fearing that if death were the result 
of his anger he would be imprisoned. Some years 
after reaching here, Amelia had found his where- 
abouts and assured him of her fidelity, but he never 
forgave her greater interest in his rival, and so far 
had taken no steps to renew their friendship, though 
^‘Mein Lieher Amelia^’ interlarded all his speeches 
and it was evident he had grown old while fathering 
fond love for her. 

Lunch brought them all together again and each 
one related their experiences. The instigator of the 
joke told that he had offered a fine reward for the 
recovery of the lost valuables and thought he was 
on the track of them already. All eyes and ears 
were opened and immediately he was the center of 
interest, and a promise was made to the effect that 
their plans of amusement should not be interfered 
with, but that all should continue in the same 
jovial vein. 

That evening while some were dancing, others 
were planning tricks to be played upon certain 
members of the party, and the next day, the mail 
brought a letter from a faraway sweetheart, asking 


38 


BENVENUTA 


one of the gentlemen to join her at Palm Beach, 
with its magnificent, sumptuous hotels, not to be 
surpassed anywhere ; the guests with their costly and 
elaborate toilets; the music inspiring one with a 
wish to credit all the tales of lovers fond dreams, 
while figuring one’s self in an interesting flirtation. 
The drives, equestrian parties leaving the hotels 
daily on spirited horses, under the control of the 
most charming and suitably gowned ladies; the 
woods so well calculated to remind one of lovers’ 
lanes or retreats, since time immemorial written and 
talked of; the beautiful blue sky not to be more 
gorgeously depicted by the brush of an Italian 
artist; the queer little traps to which one is con- 
signed to roam from place to place; and all that 
is wanting to make you fancy yourself in beautiful, 
sunny Italy is the hand extended and the beseeching 
eyes, which even without words tell their tale of woe. 
To this dreamland I am asking you to allow yourself 
to be transplanted from a scene comparable to that 
of Mont Blanc, the thought of which makes me 
shiver with cold, and I promise your welcome shall 
be a warm one. 

It was amusing to see him trying to control his 
delight while he strove to find some excuse for taking 
his departure. Finally, at the table he said, ‘‘Miss 
Annita, I was thinking matters over when I remem- 
bered an important engagement I had lost sight of 
which requires my presence in the city tomorrow.” 
Annita, rather provoked, for he was one of the 
gayest of the party, said, “Well, as it was thoroughly 
understood that only sickness or death should disturb 


39 


BENVENUTA 


our party, I fear I shall have to decline excusing 
you.’’ 

Words waxed warm when a wink from one of 
the gentlemen set Annita at ease, and she replied, 
^Wery well, there will be, in all probability, more 
house parties.” His excuses were profuse and his 
arrangements made that evening for an early de- 
parture. Adieus were made that the young ladies 
should not be disturbed in the early morn. 

Beaching their rooms, Annita exclaimed, ‘Ht was 
a joke to be nipped in the bud!” namely, before he 
took his departure, which was gratifying news, for 
he was, as is generally the case in house parties, 
the main essence of joviality, and kept the ball of 
amusement constantly rolling. But, lo ! when at the 
last moment his suitcase was missing, fancy the 
uproar of indignation, which was only quelled by 
disclosing the joke, and assuring him the day was 
still young and their pleasures only just begun. 

That day Annita received a telegram announcing 
the arrival of her Scotch friend in America, and 
though she longed to see him, then and there did 
not strike her as an opportune moment. Yet, delay 
would be trying for her and disappointing to him, 
so betaking herself to her room when a game of 
cribbage was going on in one room, and various 
other amusements elsewhere throughout the house, 
she could easily slip away, and conferring with her 
mother, determine upon the best thing to do. 

^‘Why not write him to call upon your father 
at once and then send a few lines explaining to him 
that you would like to have them come out together 
the next evening?” This plan of action determined 


40 


BENVENUTA 


and acted upon, Annita^s strongest efforts were 
called into play that she should not betray herself. 
This might be the only opportunity of showing him 
their lovely home, and, of course, was one of her 
dearest wishes, as she had told him much about it. 
How from the tower of their house West Point 
could be clearly seen ; how many cadet balls she had 
attended, when buttons seemed to he the highest 
ambition of her heart, etc.; how Tilden’s place — 
‘ ‘ Greystone ^ ^ — ^now owned by the famous lawyer, 
Samuel Untermeyer; Helen Gould ^s place, called 
^‘Lyndhurst,^’ and many more noted residences 
were also in sight from the tower of Benvenuta, 
and frequently passed in automobiles and otherwise. 

Then she asked him if he had ever read 
Washington Irving’s works, the stories of Wolfert’s 
Boost, Sleepy Hollow, etc. The story of the spring 
on the banks of the river, which was thought to be 
like the one sought by Ponce de Leon, and the Dutch 
tradition was that the spring had been brought 
over from Holland, in a churn by Pemmelia Van 
Slocum, wife of one of the first settlers, for she 
said she would never find such water in a new 
country. The chronicles of Wolfert’s Boost, Sleepy 
Hollow, etc., by Washington Irving are all most 
interesting and touch frequently upon the Hudson 
Biver. History tells us that the Boost and all its 
domains were sold by the Indians for Aqua Vita, 
and it fell into the hands of Dutchmen. The origin 
of the virtue of the horseshoe was with them. In 
times of war the burghers nailed horseshoes to 
their doors and this superstition is still kept alive. 


41 


BENVENUTA 


Now she joined her company to take a lively part 
and enter with great zest into their amusements, and 
while they were at lunch a detective’s name was 
announced with the statement that he thought he 
had brought back their stolen goods. Annita’s 
mother, asking to be excused, left the table, and 
upon returning said for their dessert the articles 
would be placed before them that each might select 
his or her own property. Then came the question, 
“But what is going to be done with the awful man 
who well-nigh broke up our party?” The answer 
was that he had hidden the etfects and then fled, 
so that justice could be meted out to no one, and 
the reward offered would be gladly given to the 
party who returned them. Soon all were collecting 
their effects together — and in many instances with 
sincere delight, for associations made the articles 
very dear to them. 

That afternoon a gallop over the hills with some, 
a motor ride with others, and an excuse from a few 
others to write or rest, ended the day, and brought 
them in time to Annita’s birthday anniversary 
dinner, which was unanticipated by those present, 
and would gladly have been postponed for the 
arrival of the Scotchman, but telegrams and pack- 
ages divulged the secret and things had to proceed. 
Father was disappointed at not being with them, but 
man’s convenient excuse — business — was brought 
forth, when in reality the newly arrived was the 
cause. Toasts were drunk and the bouquets of 
Annita’s fond admirers gathered about this beautiful 
and sumptuous board knew they had never seen her 
look so divinely lovely as on this occasion. How 


42 


BENVENUTA 


little did they dream that very soon the light of the 
lovers’ eyes would tell a tale that they could vainly 
attempt to suppress, and the following out of which 
would well nigh break the heart of her parents, for 
to give up their all meant to leave life desolate for 
them. 

Charles had been their choice, he as well as other 
admirers had been at the party, and had each one 
been full of hope throughout the visit. But what 
gloom might not the morrow cast over everything, 
and yet, no, as Annita had planned that the meeting 
between her father and Bradley should be alone and 
he was to be most guarded in his attention so that, 
perchance, the disguise would be effective, and the 
delightful spell of the visit continue on to the end. 

The Scotch friend was present at luncheon the 
following day and charmed everyone. By sundown 
the young ladies were discussing freely his attrac- 
tions and questioning Annita about where she had 
met him and how she had resisted him. Her answers 
were calm and indifferent and it must be admitted 
she played her part so adroitly that nothing was 
suspected, and her parents perfectly satisfied. 

The remaining two days the gentlemen strove 
hard to make agreeable to the stranger. Indeed, 
he took a gallop over the hills, with the greatest 
beauty — save for him, Annita — the day .before 
they departed, and that evening she had quite a little 
flirtation with him, in the most delightful spot, the 
palm room, where the playing of the fountain, the 
chirping of the birds, the splashing of the gold fish 
in the water; the moon’s rays peeping through the 


43 


BENVENUTA 


branches of the palms, all tending to inspire love 
and sweet speeches. 

Bnt loyal Scotchman, while obeying instructions, 
had no idea of being false to his heart’s selection, 
and was so staunch that when the girls had assem- 
bled that evening and were discussing him, the 
companion of the evening pronounced him ^‘As cold 
as a fish, ’ ’ greatly to the amusement and quiet delight 
of Annita, who said, ‘‘I do not think them a race 
of much ardor. ’ ’ His charms were dilated upon and 
the regret rang out that he had not been with them 
all the while. 

The following was the last day and when Charles 
left Annita ’s side, where he was much of the time, 
causing her friend no little anxiety, he had a few 
moments with her which sufficed to clear any impend- 
ing clouds, and her attention was not given Bradley 
lest their wisely-laid plans should be frustrated, and 
he accepted the situation with such grace that he 
made himself most popular on all sides. 

At last dinner toasts were offered, none more 
elegant and appropriate than the one by the new- 
comer, which pleased the host and hostess while 
compelling the young lady of the house to say, ^ ‘ Be 
still, my heart, and bide your time. ’ ’ 

After dinner they started off in the beautiful 
grounds for a last farewell and then chance brought 
Annita and the Scotchman together for just long 
enough to thrill their hearts with happiness, but to 
tell them that a game so far well carried out must 
continue to the end. And when Charles approached 
them he sought other company, giving Charles a 
chance to plead his cause more earnestly than ever 


44 


BENVENUTA 


before. But at the side of the brook, where the light 
from the moon enabled them to see their shadows 
in the water, and while the chiming of the bells of 
the village church rang forth, a knell of despair 
came from his heart when she told him it could 
never, never be; and sauntering toward the house 
his absence was not felt, as preparations for the 
morrow necessitated his repairing to his own room, 
where only a like sufferer could offer any sympathy 
to him. When seen and his pallor commented upon 
he pleaded indisposition and retired early, which 
was not marveled at. 

The following day a jolly party terminated a 
long-to-be-remembered, delightful house party, and 
they all returned to the train, as they had come, 
in automobiles, save the father, who said, laughingly, 
when departing in a trap before the others, ‘‘It 
behooves me to land our stranger where I brought 
him from,^^ and with a crack of the whip they drove 
off, affording him a chance to give the father an 
insight into himself as a man whose life had been 
a clean one, and his antecedents of the proudest race. 

They did not take the same train, as their drive 
was prolonged, and Annita saw him for the first 
time really alone, in the gloaming, as he dined with 
them, and in the meantime a charming bouquet of 
her favorite La France roses, with his first genuine 
hearths outpourings from the land of America, the 
home of his proud selection, had been sent. 


45 


CHAPTER IV 


E AELY in the day her father returned and 
taking his child in his arms said, in a sad tone 
of voice, ^‘Daughter mine, he is a man, and 
from all I can learn, promises well; only I should 
exact deliberation that I may be satisfied on all 
points, and you have sufficient time to know the 
world and your own heart, as your youth scarcely 
permits you at present.’^ 

When his card was brought up Annita, who had 
dressed very painstakingly, took a final glance in 
the mirror, touched a powder pufp to her face, and 
descended, somewhat flustered, to be greeted as 
warmly as proprieties permitted, for it must be 
remembered they were not yet an affianced pair. 

It was not long before dinner was announced 
and her friend shown into a dining room where 
every evidence of greatest elegance and finest good 
breeding existed. All the experiences of the house 
party were related for the benefit of the two gentle- 
men and at times hearty laughter indulged in. 
Especially when the account of the encounter of 
one of the gentlemen with their greatly petted nanny 
goat was graphically given by Annita ’s mother, 
who had been witness to the whole affair and entered 
into a sworn compact to guard the secret until town 
was reached, when he, himself, would enjoy the 
ludicrous side of it, while not denying others the 
same right. 

But fancy this dude of a man being taken 
unawares and being thrown into the air, when he 
attempted to pet Miss Nanny, and landed on his 
feet to wonder what had befallen him, and sneaked 

46 


BENVENUTA 


back to the house to make repairs upon his person 
and apparel. I guarantee Nanny was given a wide 
berth ever after, and the scratches received ac- 
counted for in a plausible way. But when the 
mother thought of it she would be convulsed with 
laughter, which became contagious, and made the 
entire party most merry. 

After dinner they repaired to the library where 
coffee was served and cigars enjoyed, until the 
daughter went to the parlor, and playing some of 
the old familiar vessel airs soon heard her friend’s 
footsteps approaching, and standing at her side the 
whole scene of their early meeting was forcibly pre- 
sented to his mind, which brought true happiness 
to them, and before saying good night his favorite 
song filled the air with the soft notes of his voice 
accompanying hers. And their parting was one full 
of promise — not in words, but in esprit d ’accord. 

Hers was a peaceful slumber, his a restless one, 
since he had long since taught himself that life 
without her would be as naught, and he said to 
himself : 

“I would flood your pathway with sunshine, 

I would fence you from all ill; 

I would crown you with all blessings 
If I could but have my will.” 

Morning dawned with every promise of a nice 
day and accompanying four beautiful roses which 
he sent her was a note saying, “I await your order 
as to when I may see you, and if I may be permitted 
to accompany you in any of your wanderings of 
the day.” With her mother, it was determined they 
should go in the automobile for a spin through the 
park in the afternoon, and not unexpectedly, they 
47 


BENVENUTA 


met many of their friends, some of whom were with 
them at the house party, but not yet did they sur- 
mise anything out of the ordinary, as it was to be 
expected she would pay to a foreigner in a strange 
land attention. 

New York was no strange land to him, but this 
they did not as yet know, and it was as well they 
should not, since this caused allowances to be made 
for their frequent companionship. 

That evening some of the house party called to 
review the great fun they had had, and to open up 
the subject of Miss Nanny’s lack of courtesy to the 
grand dude of the party, who even then felt his 
amour propre greatly wounded by the joke too good 
to be enjoyed alone. Some of his friends nicknamed 
him ‘‘Nanny,” which at first he received most 
amiably, but soon he called a halt and became so 
indignant that there was a turn in affairs, and he 
said, “He laughs best who laughs last.” 

Being^ bent upon availing himself of the first 
opportunity to even up with these merrymakers, 
he put on his thinking cap and awaited the time 
when success would attend him. It was Easter 
Sunday, the full blossomed trees filled the air with 
fragrance and joy, when the most obdurate of these 
friends, sauntering along Fifth Avenue, with his 
best girl of the day, was brought to a halt by a 
man who said, “I regret to have to urge the payment 
of this bill long since overdue,” which he handed 
him and sped away. The friend was abashed and 
at sea for a suitable explanation of such procedure. 
Mortified beyond conception, he bade the young 
lady farewell at the door of her home, and then 

48 


BENVENUTA 


gave vent to man’s most forcible language, wMch 
some of us have heard. It was not long before the 
joke was thoroughly probed and pistols and coffee 
talked of, but suppressed by the other friends, who 
even prevented a separation of life-long friends, 
by showing the amusing side of it. 


49 


CHAPTER V 


T he Scotchman had enjoyed every moment of 
his visit and left the country apparently no 
more wealthy than when he came to it, but in 
reality carrying away a pearl far more valuable 
than the Moonbeam or the ‘^Hope,’’ considered 
the finest known gems of that class. 

By mutual consent it was agreed Annita should 
have another season in society, and her father was 
to interest himself in bringing about business 
arrangements for the Scotchman, Mr. McLaud, 
that would give America and Scotland share and 
share alike of their lives. Parting was a trial to 
both of them since they were now affianced, and 
instead of the tell-tale ring, hers was a befitting 
jeweled heart enclosing his picture; his a picture 
in the back of his watch, and a small pendant to 
his watch chain enclosing one single curl. 

So carefully had their intercourse been guarded 
that no one suspected the state of things, though 
one evening when they attended the opera in a party 
given by him, and afterwards went to the Waldorf 
for supper, one of the gentlemen overheard words 
that only dexterous handling prevented showing 
their standing. His departure was a means of 
misleading the public, and he promised to keep his 
hand on the hilt of patience; to prove one of the 
tentative kind, ever trying and making the effort. 
To look ahead for one whole year was a severe test, 
but for the good to be obtained everything would be 
risked and nothing lost, their perfect confidence in 
each other prompted them to think. 


50 


BENVENUTA 


Back in the land of his forefathers thoughts 
were bestowed upon advancing himself in every 
way that would make him more worthy of his prize, 
and his hours of pleasant pastime were given to 
thoughts across the sea, of the one with whom he 
so longed to be. Her life fulfilling her promise to 
still-questioning parents was spent in the whirl of 
dissipation, where there was no end to the adulation 
given this sweet, but true, girl. 

“Have we not all, amid life’s petty strife, 

Some pure ideal of a nobler life?” 

Three letters a week were borne across the 
waters to him, daily one reached her, and it must 
be admitted that the Lenten season was welcomed 
with delight, and an absence from the city to go 
to a secluded spot in Lakewood, suggested as a most 
pleasant and needed relaxation. There it was her 
wish to live incognito, if it were possible. To enter 
truly into herself, strange as that may seem with 
a society girl. But love ripens the nature and 
develops one into womanhood, as does naught else. 

In the adjoining house to theirs, a beautiful 
cottage, there lived a handsome young widower with 
one child. He sought refuge in this quiet place 
under the roof of an old aunt, when in deepest 
bereavement. The child was a fascinating hoy of 
three years, with golden ringlets hanging profusely 
about his head, and lustrous brown eyes, serving 
as windows to that pure soul, from which came 
tender sentiments, bespeaking a longing for what a 
mother gives, and is received unawares. No father 
could have been more tender, but it would seem that 
his grief followed him unceasingly, and upon inquiry 
61 


BENVENUTA 


it was ascertained that his wife had died at the time 
of the second child ^s birth. She was a daughter 
and preceded her mother that she might be one of 
the angels at Heaven’s portals and guide her into 
a happier home. 

The little fellow crept one day across the 
dividing line of their property, and seeing the 
pretty sweet face of Annita raised from her ham- 
mock, approached her, heeding the call of a gentle 
voice, and soon made friends, while she caressed him 
and smoothed his soft curls. Ere long the father’s 
cry, Albert, Albert, dear” came from the house 
and the little fellow fled, to be heard saying, ‘ ‘ Pretty 
lady, daddy, come and see.” 

Annita lay motionless thinking of this dear, 
lovely child and of his sad face, until the quiet veil 
of twilight was wrapping itself about her, when she 
entered the house to approach the fire, and there in 
the embers on the hearth she continued her dream, 
and suppressed the questioning of God’s justice. 

Annita ’s life was what she wanted it to be and 
her mother facilitated its being so. One day when 
she went to the beach to stroll on the sands, looking 
out upon the rippling, frozen waters, she was sur- 
prised that the gentleman and his little boy were 
already there, so she took the opposite direction 
from theirs, but not before the little fellow had seen 
her and again cried, '‘See pretty lady. Daddy.” 
Some distance away, and far from the water’s edge, 
she sat do\vn beneath the branches of an ice-covered 
tree, for now was not the time for her to saunter 
unrestrained. That would come after her quiet had 
been restored, when she could long for a plunge 

52 


BENVENUTA 


and regret that the season did not admit of it, for 
she knew that she was swanlike in the water. 
Nevertheless, she inhaled invigorating salt air, 
realizing that all resorts did not possess the charm 
of this one, both physically and mentally. 

Many days elapsed before chance brought them 
together again, and then under distressing circum- 
stances. She was seated in a secluded corner of the 
veranda, when a piercing shriek reached her ears, 
which came from the little fellow in the yard, who 
had been bitten by a snake, evidently coming from 
beneath the porch. Running to him quickly, all 
available remedies were applied, Annita attending 
him with all possible gentleness, for the aunt was 
an aged lady and her own mother not near at hand. 
Quickly the doctor was despatched for, hut while 
Annita held him in her arms, striving to quiet him, 
his father approached rapidly, seeing that some- 
thing was wrong. The little fellow looked up with 
streaming eyes, to say, ‘‘Pretty lady. Daddy, which 
made him lift his hat, and looking down into her 
tender brown eyes, thank her and suggest relieving 
her to which Annita did not demur, as she, herself, 
had been greatly frightened and at loss about what 
to do. This was her first experience with a child, 
and not infrequently thought of in after life. 

While the little fellow was recovering, Annita 
went often to see him when she knew his father was 
away, and his fond caresses endeared him to her. 
Indeed, once when he was dozing off into his sleep, 
the words, “Mama, dear^’ escaped his lips, and 
almost brought tears to Annita ’s eyes. He had 
evidently been thinking of his mother, and that made 
53 


B E N VE N UT A 


her pity him as never before. 

When he was quite himself again and able to 
come and sit on her porch, a box of flowers came 
with little Albert’s love, and once the little child 
said, Daddy likes you,” because he had heard his 
father say, she was a dear kind lady; another 
instance of little pitchers, sometimes a dangerous 
thing. 

It was approaching the time for Annita to return 
home. Warmly wrapped, she strolled off into the 
beautiful woods. The sun shining enticed her to 
take a seat on a fallen branch of a tree, over- 
stretching a small frozen brooklet, where peeping 
here and there could occasionally be seen mosses, 
stiffened by cold, ferns, and pebbles, adding greatly 
to the scenery. She indulged long in thoughts of 
her staunch Scotchman, whose letters had given 
her so much pleasure, and a feeling of peace and 
quiet was stealing over her when she heard steps 
in the distance, and looking up beheld Daddy with 
his little son by the hand, who, breaking away from 
his father, ran to Annita and embraced her. This 
brought Daddy and Albert’s friend again face to 
face, and a few passing remarks were made, 
destined to ripen into a strong type of friendship, 
which might ultimately have culminated into a 
lasting tie, for in those far-seeking, lustrous, violet 
eyes there was a world of pathos, and his voice had 
a ring of sadness which aroused sympathy — often 
the keynote to love. 

Before Annita departed they met some times 
upon the walks, and as night gathered about them, 
playing with its silvery shadows, and the lark filled 


54 


BENVENUTA 


the air with its sweet music, fancies were carried 
far away. Before adieus were made Annita had 
learned much of the sad side of Daddy ^s life, and 
had given him her deepest sympathy. His wife had 
been his boyhood love, and though at first their 
alliance was a disputed one, as he had only birth 
and manhood to otf er to one not blessed with worldly 
goods — her parents had hoped for better prospects 
for their daughter — their lives had been peacefully 
happy and his advancement so creditable that her 
parents learned to love and appreciate him, and in 
their hour of sorrow showed that he had been taken 
unto them as a veritable son. 

As little Albert kissed her goodby he cried and 
said, ‘^Will pretty lady come to see meT’ Her 
reply was, ‘ ‘ Yes, and take you for a ride in the park. ’ ’ 

She departed with several only casually-read 
letters, which carried her away to far-off, beautiful 
Scotland, the land of the bagpipe, and interesting 
Highland ‘costumes. Above all, to the side of the 
man for whom love had not flagged in the least, and 
she found herself pressing the locket to her lips, 
while regretting the sad phases of Daddy ^s life, 
who, it must be admitted, had grown in her interest 
and sympathy. 

Her father’s welcome home to them, and his 
admission that they were both improved, was most 
gratifying, and home was sweeter than ever to the 
wanderers of almost two months. Soon friends, and 
still hopeful admirers gathered about them as the 
moth around the candle, and life rolled on in more 
serenity, for Annita had mapped out a more useful 
life for herself — one interlarded with study and 


55 


BENVENUTA 


improvement, inspired by the wish to rise in the 
respect of the man of her choice. 

Admirers often listened to her lovely singing, 
when her thoughts would be far across the waters. 
But she was acceding to the wishes of her parents 
in giving herself an unquestioned testing, and where 
duty is your aim you may say : 

“Beautiful lives are those that bless; 

Silent rivers of happiness. 

Whose hidden fountains but few may guess.” 

Each day a leaf was torn from the calendar and 
time went peacefully, but lovingly, onward. It was 
not long before summer plans were being discussed, 
the one of going abroad with not the least interest, 
to be sure. But father did not altogether favor this, 
and he did recommend Manchester-by-the-Sea, and 
though neither wife nor daughter warmed up to 
this suggestion, his was the ruling voice, but ever 
guiding with peaceful serenity. A cottage was 
leased, by way of reconciling them, and those of the 
household domestics taken along. 

It was not long before they were enjoying both 
the place and the people, as well, and the amuse- 
ments. Not far distant from them was the charming 
hotel of the Mascanoma, a house once noted for 
being a favorite resort of Booth, the actor, and near 
enough to Boston to admit of going there, when 
more than ordinary diversion was required. 

Caught out one day in a frightful storm, they 
took shelter in a farm house, and from it witnessed 
a storm not soon to be forgotten. The tossing and 
rolling of the waves, with the sharp lightning 
playing about the craft, and the tiny boats thrown 


56 


BENVENUTA 


hither and thither on the angry billows, with the 
rolling thunders, made one almost forget the poor 
souls aboard of them, while wrapped in admiration 
and appreciated wonder of the power and might 
of God ; so often lost sight of in the passage of life. 
It was a sight long to be remembered and the elec- 
trical influence upon the horses was felt so keenly 
that they pranced and danced much of the way 
home, forcing the coachman to resort to his greatest 
skill in their management and the stirring question 
on reaching the hotel, where they went for informa- 
tion, was, wonder if anyone has perished?’’ At 
candle light the people of old would say, ‘‘Now it 
is nightfall.” When the angry sea had quieted 
down news came to the effect that many crafts and 
boats were aground, and they feared that some 
lives might have been lost. There were, as long as 
one could see, beautiful whitecaps on the waters, 
and the tide washed foamingly upon the musical 
sands, as they are called, sweeping angrily about 
the rafters of a stand used sometimes for music, 
but generally for lookers on who wished to be 
sheltered from the sun’s rays. 

Next morning news came of considerable damage 
having been done and the loss of one man’s life, 
whose family were poor, one member an invalid. 
Annita was the first to start a purse, but in the 
most unostentatious manner, heading the list with 
$500, a hundred for each of them, with the request 
that their names be withheld. There is a saying, 
and though not elegant, most truthful, namely that 
we are most of us copy-cats; and so it was in this 
instance, as before long many had contributed, and 


57 


BENVENUTA 


the sum swelled to such figures that the sharp 
pangs of their grief were softened by the mitigation 
of their wants. 

That night there were beautiful searchlight 
effects upon the water, coming presumably from a 
vessel far away from land, and watched by the 
curious with great interest; but no decisive con- 
clusion was reached that evening concerning it, and 
when the brilliant light discontinued myriads of 
stars sprang forth intensifying the beauty of the 
heavens, enjoyed by all not participating in the hall 
room festivities. Some writer tells us ‘‘Apprecia- 
tion is a factor in happiness, but that, too, must be 
an indirect result, and not a conscious aim.’^ 

Every effort was being made to divest Annita’s 
mind of faraway thoughts, and as no suspicion was 
entertained by any one of the actual condition of 
things, many mamas were laying themselves out to 
captivate her for their favorite sons. It was 
amusing to see the ruses resorted to, and most of 
all to hear their side remarks about such a phleg- 
matic, difficult personage. 

Annita chanced to learn of the criticisms of her 
character. At first she bore them patiently, but 
finally the fire of her indignation was aroused, and 
she handled one of the mamas, who had been ruthless 
in her remarks, in such a masterly manner that all 
ideas of a wanting force in her character were 
dispelled, and while many chose to call her high- 
spirited, if not tempered, others were just enough 
to appreciate, while they do say patience is the virtue 
of a mule, who trots beneath his burden and is quiet, 
one could hardly expect similar tolerance from 


58 


BENVENUTA 


human beings. The stand that Annita took gained 
for her unquestioned admiration and approval of 
her dignified behavior, while her mother ’s heart was 
again stimulated by the love she felt was daily 
increasing; and when her father joined them, and 
everything was related to him, his verdict was that 
even though still young, she was able to cope with 
any emergency and that he was proud of her. 


59 


CHAPTER VI. 



iHARLES did not entirely vanish from the 


horizon of her life, but flitted periodically 


before her, as does the moth before the candle, 
whose wings have been singed — a trite saying, but 
so often repeated, — and disregarding that experi- 
ence, he did not keep out of danger’s way. It 
would seem that he had said, ‘‘Faint heart never 
won fair lady,” hut Annita was not disposed to 
trifle with his feelings, and only wished to give him 
that which was adequate to thorough, and perfect 
understanding of each other — nothing more. 

All this time our reader might fancy that 
Dorothy had gone out of her life, but such was not 
the case, for she was very fond of her and frequently 
indulged in the hope of bringing Charles and her 
together, thus cementing the tie of friendship 
between them ; as it were building a wall about the 
four. 

So far, Annita had called her heart’s choice by 
none but his family name, perchance fearing the 
truth of too much familiarity. About this time the 
ice was beginning to melt away and upon his birth- 
day he received a letter addressing him for the first 
time as Bradley. Fancy for a moment his happiness, 
for while such a thing may seem unnatural, it is 
none the less true, for hers was a reserved nature, 
and constant struggle was being made to divest her 
of love for a foreigner, because the thought of 
separation was so heart-rending to her parents. 

But everyday life is woven with threads of purple 
and gold, and the eternal mysteries and tragedies 
of our lives exist ever about us and in us. Love cer- 


60 


BENVENUTA 


tainly is a queer thing, and right here let me tell you 
a true story, which will show you what a blessing it 
is to be endowed with an active, quick brain: In 
years gone by an entertainment for a famous charity 
was being given, and one of those taking part, being 
troubled with stage fright, there promised to be a 
failure, when unhesitatingly, the ready-witted party 
said. 


“Love it is a queer thing; 

Love it is a dizziness; 

Love it drives the young man home from his business.” 


This coming in when a tender passage had been 
reached, seemed perfectly right and gave the young 
stage affrighted time to recover himself and proceed 
most calmly, while the audience understood it to he 
a part of the play, which was a grand success. Love 
caused the stage fright, he frankly admitted, his 
thoughts concentrating themselves upon the recipi- 
ent of the tender speeches that should have been 
proclaimed, fright overtook him and a catastrophe 
evaded by presence of mind, as well as wounded 
pride spared partaking people. That was one of 
the noted occasions which pointed to the present suc- 
cess of the writer of fame and the actor of great gift. 
To write a play and he able to act it is found but 
rarely. 

Sometimes diverging from one’s subject is per- 
missible, and here there seemed to he an excuse for 
attracting one’s attention to the fact that love has 
its queer side, if not to the interested party, at least 
to the lookers on. 

As a last effort to the accomplishment of her great 


61 


BENVENUTA 


desire, Annita invited Dorothy to come and pay her 
a visit, and she made it her pleasure to gradually 
bring Charles and Dorothy much together and often 
alone. Dorothy had been slowly recovering from 
her disappointment with the Englishman. Charles 
was still trying to learn the lesson that everything 
is not within one’s reach. Before long moonlight 
strolls, canoe outings, walks through the woods, and 
sun baths on the beach, as well as reclining in the 
white sand, were quite the thing; and while Annita 
still guarded her secret most sacredly, the reception 
of frequent letters from abroad aroused suspicion 
in Dorothy, who ventured to tease her friend, but 
with such poor results that again she was disarmed, 
and being absorbed by her own matters, any expla- 
nation was satisfactory. 

When Dorothy had been with her three weeks 
and was oft attending to some of her own affairs, 
Charles sought the opportunity to tell Annita he was 
engaged, and to say that while he would be a good 
husband to Dorothy, he had told her it would be long 
before he could forget his first love, and to her he 
accorded the same privilege. 

They returned to the city affianced, as sanc- 
tion had been granted by her parents, and it was 
Annita ’s privilege to aid in all the matrimonial 
arrangements. 

Annita was to have been matron of honor and 
everything promised grand success, when a full 
knowledge of Charles’ character was brought to 
light, the inexcusable misdemeanor of his life for 
many of the previous years, all showing a nature so 
devoid of manhood and integrity, that Dorothy’s 
62 


BENVENUTA 


friends were forced to pain her by a disclosure of 
the facts, and thereby caused her another fearful 
insight to man’s character, crushing her so that for 
a time her health was in imminent danger, and only 
a sense of duty to her parents already feeble, caused 
her to rise equal to the occasion and to arouse in her 
friends’ minds, a genuine sense of deepest admira- 
tion and respect for her. Annita was the consoling 
friend to all, and it was she who packed away every- 
thing of a matrimonial nature, and replaced the man- 
tle of original elegance, without the glamour of what 
might he called ostentation, and when quiet was re- 
stored, Dorothy took up the thread of life, inter- 
woven with rare jewels of patient sutfering. Ke- 
flect for a moment upon what this meant for them 
all, particularly the one so rarely tried woman, and 
the picture brought before your mind will be almost 
a tragic one, arousing nothing short of deepest sym- 
pathy. Dorothy’s parents, as before said were fee- 
ble, and though a departure for their Lakewood 
home was advisable, it was not to he thought of just 
then, time must be given to soften grief and make 
them realize that the discovery has been a merciful 
one, presenting untold misery in the future life of 
a noble character, a daughter so full of self sacrifice 
and love for them. As time wore on, Dorothy’s 
care of her parents was so continuous as to alford 
her small chance for lamentation over own sad fate, 
but when the stillness of night brought her some 
respite she would lay bare before herself the occur- 
rences of her life and sometimes caught herself ques- 
tioning the justice of a God she had been taught to 
love and reverence. Once in the gloaming when she 


63 


BENVENUTA 


descended from her car, and was strolling alone 
through the forest where only the chirping of birds 
and the ripple of a running stream were heard, she 
seemed to derive comfort from communing with her 
Maker, and the lines of many a loved poet thrust 
themselves upon her mind with startling force and 
from Burn^s sentiment, mind conscious of integ- 
rity, scorns to say more than it can perform, she 
obtained solace, and returning to her car she turned 
her face homeward a better woman recalling what 
was said, ‘‘I took that which ungently came, and 
without scorn forgave, do thou the same,^^ this must 
be her motto. 

Annita was awaiting her upon her return, and as 
she embraced her and looked into her tearless eyes, 
a fear passed over her that too great suppression 
might eventually tell its sad tale, and she strove to 
make resignation more of a task with the woman 
she loved as well. 

Through Bradley, Annita learned that the scape- 
grace of our story, for such it would seem he is to 
be, had departed for unknown climes and let us hope 
that he will abstain from showing the true side of 
his nature, so well known to his associates of his 
past life, where they can bring further sorrow to 
those who escaped him when almost too late, through 
the channel of honorable instincts for when it was 
known of his anticipated step, and matters had 
progressed too far to admit of a doubt, then means 
were resorted to, to save a young life from total 
wreckage, and blessed will ever be those endowed 
with the courage and manhood which was so daunt- 
less as to crush temerity. 


64 


BENVENUTA 


When it was deemed prudent the father, mother 
and daughter departed for Lakewood accompanied 
by Annita, and the quiet of that sweet place with its 
beautiful surroundings, happily not associated with 
Charles, bid fair to have the most calming effect upon 
all three of them, so that Annita left them greatly re- 
lieved and hoping for the best, while having endeared 
herself more than ever, to her warm and appreciative 
friends. 

Bradley’s appearance upon the scene of action at 
this time had been a great surprise to Annita and as 
circumstances developed it was a most fortunate 
thing, for he was a great service in ascertaining the 
justice of the cruel things which came to their knowl- 
edge. The first evening when disclosures came to 
the family and Annita was comforting them, she was 
called to the telephone to hear a familiar voice say- 
ing : ‘ ‘ Might I have the pleasure of calling for you 

at any hour you may appoint ? ” It was such a sur- 
prise that she almost succumbed, the color came and 
went from her face, her heart ceased to throb as it 
were, and with difficulty she commanded the neces- 
sary words for a reply, which did not compel a great 
delay in their meeting, but she preferred it should 
be in their own home, hence gave orders for her car 
to be ready in an hour’s time, as earlier would have 
necessitated almost a cruel wrecking, and before 
leaving she told Dorothy the cause of her unexpected 
speedy departure, and promised to be with her early 
on the morrow. When she alighted from her car and 
entered the house, it was to be confronted by the man 
of her heart, and they only waited to be alone to let 
their feelings overflow. 


65 


BENVENUTA 


Anyone of us who will enter into his or herself 
can paint a far more realistic picture of the scene 
than my poor pen could ever otfer. So that leav- 
ing them for hours to talk their separated lives over, 
and plan for the future, we will proceed to see that 
Bradley met with a hearty welcome from Annita’s 
parents, and no evident desire to prolong the agony 
may I say that they had gone through. The follow- 
ing day they sought and comforted Dorothy all they 
could, but of course their unalloyed happiness was 
almost a torture to her. 


GC 


CHAPTER VII 


B BADLEY had seen sufficient of German life to 
approve of some of their customs. The one 
was engagement announcements (‘‘Verlobung 
Karten^’) being sent out, and he asked why that 
could not be done at once, thus entitling him to certain 
privileges, not otherwise accorded to men. For in- 
stance driving alone, attending places of amusement 
unchaperoned, etc., etc. The matter was freely dis- 
cussed and approved of so that their calling list was 
taken to the engravers and the necessary instruction 
given that their cards might be dispersed as speedily 
as possible. In the meantime there was no infringe- 
ment upon social regulation and they continued 
living up to the proper demands, until cards of con- 
gratulations began pouring in, and the wonder of 
the world was how such secrecy could have been 
maintained. 

Bradley had brought from abroad a rare piece 
of jewelry, an heirloom in the shape of a bracelet of 
unusual beauty which he placed upon her arm as their 
binding link, and asked her not to remove it. But 
when it was found too elegant and inappropriate to 
wear at all times, the conventional ring, with its 
sparkling jewels of diamonds and rubies was pre- 
sented with the words, when she commented upon its 
beauty, ^‘Nothing is worthy of your acceptance.’’ 

Now came the time for amusing occurrences, and 
old lovers got their heads together, and comparing 
notes, brought but the one closing sentiment, and 
that was that they had received no encouragement, 
only friendly treatment, and hence they could har- 
bor no bitter feelings. Her friends, one and all. 


67 


BENVENUTA 


sent remembrances, and were most eulogistic in tbeir 
opinions regarding her selection, but ever return- 
ing to their bewilderment concerning the secrecy of 
their proceedings. 

The following two busy months Bradley felt him- 
self drawn each moment more closely to Annita, 
whose sweet character shone forth in her every 
action, and once he caught himself saying, ‘‘How 
true it is that a sweet smile is heaven’s sunshine re- 
flected in a woman’s face.” So constantly was the 
flattery poured into Bradley’s ears that he wearied 
of it, and once remarked that Diogenes considered 
the most dangerous of wild animals slander ; of tame 
ones flattery. This acted as a quietus and for a time 
his blushes were spared him, and life progressed 
smoothly and happily, while tailors, milliners, and 
dressmakers made their presence felt at many inop- 
portune moments. But the feeling that this incon- 
veniencing must be borne with for the agreeable 
results, resigned them to the inevitable. 

It had always been Annita ’s heart’s desire to be 
married in their home on the Hudson, beautiful 
“Benvenuta,” and as they were of different re- 
ligions a church wedding was not to be considered. 
Then again, there was more of a novelty in this, so 
that it was the modus operandi determined upon 
and all attention were attracted to the carrying out 
of the desires not easily acceded to, but coming under 
the head of “Where there is a will there is a way.” 

Although the house was a very large one, the 
grounds most spacious, and the surroundings beau- 
tiful, much had to be done in view of the fact that 
Bradley’s family from Scotland was to be with them. 


68 


BENVENUTA 


and several hundred guests were expected to attend. 
For weeks before the occasion workmen of all kinds 
were busy, a banqueting hall was put up on the 
ground adjoining the dining room, with comparative 
solidity, and adorned in such a way as not to look 
incongruous with the rest of the house. Arrange- 
ments were made for decorating the house and 
grounds sumptuously, and illuminating with great 
promise of resplendence; even the fountain was to 
have electric lights of various colors, artistically ar- 
ranged beneath the falling waters. Nothing was to 
be omitted to make this an occasion to be handed 
down in history, as comparable to many a court en- 
tertainment, while surpassing many another. 

Annita’s mother had seen that the culminating 
of things was not far distant, and she had not let the 
grass grow beneath her feet but had accumulated 
her daughter’s trousseau steadily, and now only 
gowns, wraps and hats were to be considered. Her 
wedding dress was a French creation, as well as 
many others, and numerous were the cases and 
trunks which passed through the custom house con- 
signed to them. 

We are told that all good things must come to an 
end, so it is with all bad ones, and now the culminat- 
ing point of bliss was about to be enjoyed by them. 
The bridal party had been selected, Dorothy was to 
be her lady of honor, and there were five bridesmaids 
and groomsmen. They both had a sentimental feel- 
ing about being attended by none but their intimates. 
Bradley ’s brother was his best man and the remain- 
ing five were, for the most part, friends of Annita’s. 


69 


BENVENUTA 


How could it be otherwise since America was not 
his home? 

The rehearsals held at their country house were 
occasions of great enjoyment for them all, and when 
the necessary formulas had been gone through with, 
a round of fun and jokes was entered into, and 
Bradley felt himself being converted to the Amer- 
ican customs and habits, not so distasteful now as 
they once were. 

It was thought advisable to spend the preceding 
Sunday to the wedding day at Benvenuta, so they 
converted that oftentimes solemn day, especially 
with the Scotch, into one of considerable hilarity, 
after the rehearsal had been passed through with, 
and it was far into the gloaming before they reached 
New York, to scatter and not meet again until the 
memorable occasion of the wedding day. 

Annita’s intended carried into effect the custom 
of not seeing his fiancee the day prior to her mar- 
riage, which gave her greatly needed quiet, and oc- 
casion for seeing that the important gown was as 
perfect as it should be, and her pearls and diamond 
parure admirably suited to it. 

Two days before the wedding he accompanied 
them to Benvenuta — Annita, her mother and father, 
not to speak of the colony of attendants — ^passed the 
night and early the next morning Bradley was off 
not to return until the important day of his life. 
Such bustle and confusion as existed from now on 
can only be realized by one who has had the 
experience. 

Gifts of costly, as well as the simplest nature, 
(for Annita had many friends of moderate means) 


70 


BENVENUTA 


virtually poured in, and one could easily appreciate 
that she was an idolized child. 

The wedding was to be at five o ’clock. All affairs 
were in readiness, trains provided for the guests’ 
arrival on time, and departure after they had en- 
joyed the fairy like scene these arrangements pre- 
sented, with their gorgeous illumination. Nothing 
had been forgotten and the last lonely night of her 
life was spent quietly with her, but sadly for her 
parents, who bade her more than the usual good 
night, and then stared the reality of things in the 
face with aching hearts. 

We are told that the heroine of romance is the 
one who sitting by a still pool that lies in some for- 
est watches clamly the placid water until she sees the 
face of her lover in it, and then she is satisfied. The 
hero is he who with aching heart searches the wide 
world for the maiden he must win. This is some 
comfort to him, but where does the solace come to 
those who are giving up their all, with the knowl- 
edge that they must at least share that love which 
was once entirely theirs. This is truly a cruel world. 

At daybreak the household was aroused with a 
telegram to announce that an accident had happened 
to Bradley, who was thrown from an automobile 
when in company with his brother; they had been 
making the final arrangements for the following 
day’s occurrence. His arm was broken and other 
serious injuries sustained. Then and there Annita 
said the wedding would take place all the same, and 
at his bedside the knot was tied at the expected hour, 
with attending coterie of loyal friends about them. 

Bradley, although in great pain, strove to be 


71 


BENVENUTA 


most tranquil and appreciative of what was being 
done for him, while the love that beamed from his 
eyes for the noble choice of his life could scarcely 
be depicted. When they had all departed, we can 
fancy the tableau. Going to a suite already secured 
for her in the same hotel, she disrobed, laying aside 
her exquisite gown, and regal bridal gifts of pearls, 
and very soon embarked on the duties of a lov- 
ing wife. 


72 


CHAPTER VIII 


I T WAS a long and painful siege for both of them, 
and when Bradley condition permitted he was 
taken to Benvenuta to recuperate and lament 
over the sad turn in matters, as they were just start- 
ing out in life. His parents, brother and sister, who 
had come to this country for the wedding, paid them 
a long visit in that dear spot — indeed only departed 
when every promise of perfect recovery was pro- 
nounced. 

Now upon entering alone in this beautiful ideal 
place, where the fire of love was fanned by the 
breezes from the historic river, on which so many 
lovely things have been written, their honeymoon 
began and all thoughts of their disappointment were 
banished from mind. 

Soon Annita realized that even her most exag- 
gerated ideas of Bradley ’s character did not do him 
justice and, of course, her cup of happiness was 
more than full, while Bradley appreciated the fact 
that none but a noble woman would have pursued 
such a course of action as did Annita. 

Parting must soon come but it was not a sad one, 
for Bradley’s parents, as they realized their son had 
won a prize, and when they bade him goodby, he 
stood in all his happy manhood on the piazza of this 
lovely home, where pallor was the only evidence of 
his suffering and great shock. 

As he gazed upon all the grandeur and beauty of 
nature about him, he said, ‘‘Annita, dear, my love 
for you is so great that in the past I did not realize 
and appreciate as I do now, nestled away in this 
softly cushioned chair, with you on its arm, the 


73 


BENVENUTA 


quality of the air, the fragrance of the flowers, the 
sound of the fountain's dripping water; the chirp- 
ing of the birds, and the pecking of the woodpeckers, 
while enjoying the vista through the sweet honey- 
suckle vine, the land of Andalusia about us.’^ 

Rising up before her and portraying the beauty 
of manhood so calculated to fill a wife’s heart with 
love and pride, he put his arm about her, saying, 
‘‘Was ever man good enough to deserve the devo- 
tion and loyalty of a noble woman f ’ ’ Standing long 
thus they gazed upon the beautiful picture before 
them. A deep stillness possessed the air; the mel- 
low of autumn, tempered by a haze, which diffused 
its mists over everything without. There was a 
faint chill in the atmosphere, and still they lingered, 
looking out upon the far distant hills, and across the 
waters of the beautiful, historic Hudson River. The 
picture drawn by Bradley showed his wife that he 
was not of a prosaic nature, but one full of that senti- 
ment that had been the food of her soul, and with his 
portrayal love’s fond dreams were realized, and arm 
in arm they entered the grand old living room, which 
sparkled with welcome. 

It was long and spacious with a fine Dutch tile 
chimney, and massive andirons, supporting heavy 
hickory logs which were burning crisply, and throw- 
ing out cheerful light and rosin perfume. They were 
accompanied by no others, for it was the hour of twi- 
light and as yet the house had not been illuminated. 

When he was comfortably seated, she nestled 
closely to him, and looking into the burning embers, 
their hearts told the long and never wearing tale of 
love. 


74 


BENVENUTA 


Just about the hour for announcing dinner, an 
automobile was heard on the driveway approaching 
the house. Annita fled to make her evening toilet, 
and soon Dorothy entered accompanied by her maid 
who placing what was considered the pLeces of value 
within the door, retired to the hall, but of course it 
was understood this was at least a night visit. 
After receiving Bradley ^s welcome Dorothy fled to 
Annita ’s room and received a hearty welcome. Be- 
fore long with great excitement she related, a shock 
she had been subjected to, fortunately when her 
parents were not home, and the room containing all 
of the souvenirs of the unfortunate would-have-been 
event of her life, from some unknown cause caught 
on fire and its contents were destroyed, but little 
damage was done to the rest of the house, and her 
parents were at the hotel awaiting the necessary re- 
pairs, while she had fled in search of the quiet which 
city life fails to afford. 

There are times Annita, dear, in our lives when 
we turn to those we love and whose sympathy we 
need, therefore, I have come to you, I abstain as 
much as possible from talk upon the painful subject 
with my parents, their lives must be kept as quiet 
as possible, and I must seem indifferent, indeed 
thankful for my narrow escape, which in reality I 
am, but it is not without its painful, mortifying 
sting. 

As they sat about the sumptuous dinner table, 
Annita showed up in such picturesque beauty clad 
in her soft filmy rohe of rose tints, not only Bradley 
realized what perfect happiness had done in em- 
phasizing all her charms, but Dorothy was full of 


75 


BENVENUTA 


admiration and intensified love for the picture be- 
fore her. 

Before retiring they played a game of cards, an- 
other guest having come by a later train, sent as a 
bearer of important news to Bradley, but his was 
not a nature to annoy others with his perplexities, 
so for the present the game was made a pleasant one, 
and later in the evening, business discussions, and 
important papers were gone over, with sufficient sat- 
isfaction to admit of the gentleman ’s return by early 
train on the morrow, not however, without carrying 
with him pleasant recollections of the delightful 
evening and supper of the night before, when the 
two beautiful women, so ditferent in types charmed 
and fascinated him, as well as filled his heart with 
envy over the possession of his lucky friend. 

While Annita^s slumber was peaceful, Dorothy ^s 
was almost tearful, for how could she lose sight of 
the two sad episodes of her still young life. Aris- 
ing with the lark, she enjoyed the beautiful vista 
from her window, the braying of the cattle, the moo- 
ing of the cows, the tinkling of their bells, the lovely 
sheep scattered over the green fields, the caretakers 
going to and fro in that peaceful quiet, while day 
had not much more than dawned, brought about 
calm feelings in Dorothy ^s mind as she gazed with- 
out, and when she descended to breakfast, edifying 
calmness existed, and a beautiful peaceful smile 
came forth from her lovely eyes. 

During the day, circumstances led up to Annita^s 
telling her friend that while the blow had seemed a 
cruel one, it was certainly an evidence of God’s love 
for her, and that was the way she must think of it. 


76 


BENVENUTA 


Bradley was still too unwell to take upon himself 
the business duties of life, which he longed to do, 
as indeed does every man, but his brain was not a 
sluggish one, and his future life and plans received 
their share of his thought, though his condition made 
his life inactive. 

Benvenuta deserved to he considered fairy land, 
for it was indeed so. The walks, the drives, the 
scenery from any point of view could not be too 
beautifully portrayed. Nature had done worlds for 
it, and the hands of men, guided by taste and elab- 
orate expenditure of money, had done all else, mak- 
ing upon the whole, something as worthy of being 
gazed upon, as the most noted of European palatial 
gardens, and viewed by all countrymen in rapturous 
delight. 

As things were then, the movements of Dorothy 
were veiled in uncertainty, and a speedy return to 
the city, and her parents was what she most desired. 
The veritable holocaust, one might say, had shocked 
her friends and established in their minds a state of 
wonderment over the result of this first step. It 
would seem a warning that all must be forgotten, 
and the chapter of a new life opened up. Many 
went far enough to say that a great calamity had 
been averted, for which all should he most thankful. 

About this time a charming cousin of Annita, as 
sweet and attractive as her name, Louise, was left 
homeless by the demise of a widowed mother, and it 
fell to Annita 's parents to befriend her, presumably 
for the time being, and so startlingly beautiful a girl 
of 18 could not fail to make her mark in the world 
of New York also before many a day, but sometimes 


77 


BENVENUTA 


in no sense, the result of inexperienced such as small 
towns atford leads to rapid disclosures of startling 
characteristics, as was the case in this instance, but 
we will resume this later. 


78 


CHAPTER IX 


W HEN it was considered safe for Bradley to 
resume his business duties a return to the 
city and her parents’ beautiful home which 
was theirs without intrusion, her parents being in 
the land of sunshine, flowers and fruits, California, 
from whence they wrote charming descriptive let- 
ters of their surroundings, the Yosemite, the big 
trees, the Presidio where gallant troops pleased the 
eye with their shining buttons and well cared for 
uniforms; such military manoeuvers, and inspiring 
music as fills the hearts of ladies with perfect con- 
tentment, and makes the passerby ready to become 
a vivandier at first sound of fife or drum announcing 
war’s preliminaries. 

Peace and happiness followed Bradley and An- 
nita, hut how long this was to continue in the hollow 
atmosphere of New York society, was a problem. 
To live quietly, unless isolated from society, was 
soon found a monstrous task, and little by little 
heartless glamour shone forth in their lives, as well 
as those of their friends, eating most seductively 
into their clean hearts, with the same ruinous effects 
as the wormwood amongst the sweet plants. At 
first each was radiantly happy over the success of 
the other, when lo ! the spirit of a divided interest 
was creeping into their hearts unawares to them. 
Now it came to pass that Annita for maternal rea- 
sons was forced to seclude herself for the time being, 
and a return of beautiful peace and confidence 
reigned again supremely within them, and brought 
to mind the question only aroused by the picture of 
the present and the immediate past. Is it not hol- 


79 


BENVENUTA 


low and devoid of all that brings true happiness. 

When the bright morning came which bestowed 
upon them the anxiously watched for little creature 
destined to complete their bliss, and the nurse an- 
nounced a fine bouncing boy, great was the father ^s 
pride, and mother ^s regret that it was not a girl. 
But as is ever the case, it was soon pronounced just 
what they wanted, and Bradley ^s devotion was only 
equalled by that of his ever loving and tender wife. 
When he visited her and saw her reclining amongst 
soft, pink silk, lace bedecked pillows, and corre- 
spondingly lovely negligee, with natural ringlets 
falling about her face, he felt that never could a love- 
lier picture be beheld, and when his confidence in his 
own manhood made him assert himself capable of 
holding his boy in his arms, and he stood proudly at 
her side, the nurse was forced to admit it was a lovely 
tableau; while her parents were glad to behold it. 


80 


CHAPTER X 


A S ANNITA recovered rapidly, it was not long 
before a promise of a return to the recent 
manner of living stared tliem in the face, and 
with injunctions for himself and warnings for her, 
there seemed to be the means of avoiding pitfalls. 
But alas, for poor human nature in an atmosphere 
of allurement! 

Annita ’s maternal step had added greatly to her 
charm and she was more beautiful than ever, collect- 
ing about herself innumerable admirers; but as of 
yore the one person seen to outrival all others, a cer- 
tain Gervaine was filling the minds of people with 
ideas of watching the denouement that this unfortu- 
nate procedure would bring to light. 

Bradley’s faith in his wife vras complete and 
while he knew his little attentions were of no sig- 
nificance, as no woman equaled his wife, it was not 
exactly the same with her. Adulation had stimu- 
lated pride in the fact that she felt her power with 
men and held full sway over them. 

About this time a return to Scotland was of vital 
importance to Bradley, and as the stay was to be of 
short duration, she was to remain at home with her 
son, Bradley, Jr., in the home of her love-blinded 
parents, which was to prove the unfortunate step of 
his life, as Gervaine warmed up to the occasion and 
jeopardized the name of this harmless, but vain, 
woman by showing her the depth of his love, and 
losing no opportunity of being with her at all hours, 
and far too many places. 

He was handsome, clever, fascinating, and all the 
women were ready to fall victims to his charms. 


81 


BENVENUTA 


which made Aimita feel the power of fascina- 
tion, losing no occasion to show their full force. 
Operas, theaters, functions of all kinds, long day as 
well as night strolls ; automobile excursions, etc., etc., 
were indulged in. 

One evening a tire demanding attention caused 
them to go to a wayside restaurant to refresh them- 
selves and await the completion of a work which 
would have been tiresome to witness. At this place 
they were seen by friends, who ripe with gossip, 
soon caused the air to be full of interesting stories, 
which no power on earth could convince people were 
slander, and no atom of criminality could justly be 
attached to this poor, foolish inexperienced woman ^s 
behavior. But appearances were against her, and 
Gervaine indifferent for himself, was little enough 
to be unscrupulous about any web of entanglement 
he might be the cause of forming about her. 

This circumstance had its most unfortunate ef- 
fect upon their future lives, when her loyalty to 
Bradley was questioned, and his unfairly-dealt-with, 
manly instincts and behavior rudely handled. 
Naught of a criminal nature could be proven, nor 
could full confidence be ever restored, which caused 
a slow drifting apart, and encouraged the New York 
condition of things to be indulged in by them both. 
But Bradley told her that if the honor of his name 
was ever compromised, the effect would be of a 
startling nature, and the world would not soon 
forget it. 

G-ervaine continued in the role of admirer, doing 
nothing culpable, for Bradley, though apparently un- 
observing, was oblivious of nothing, yet there was 


82 


BENVENUTA 


that in his behavior which was reprehensible, and 
the hnsband shook him well upon one occasion ask- 
ing for an explanation of his manenvers, which was 
not given; but a vessel taken for Europe shortly 
thereafter, upon which the same Gervaine was chas- 
tised for trickery and gambling, which caused him 
to fall into such disfavor that he was not again 
heard from. 

The shock of all this brought Annita to a realiza- 
tion of the ignominy of the whole affair, when she 
begged her husband’s forgiveness, as well as that 
he should take her to Scotland to live. A retreat 
under these circumstances would have been an ac- 
knowledgment of his faith in the stories concerning 
his wife, which was far from his idea of his own 
self-respect, and the consideration due their child, 
so that apparently all was most serene, but the rein- 
statement in her husband’s good favor was a slow 
procedure ; perchance, but for the chagrin of the par- 
ents, might never have taken place. 

Weary of the slow progress in obtaining the now 
highly prized loss, Annita sought comfort in the love 
bestowed upon her child, but her health weakened 
under the blow, and before anyone realized it, she 
began to waste away, and then her husband’s heart 
was really touched, and he took her to Aix le Bains, 
following the physicians’ orders. There, too, he be- 
came an ill man, and under this condition of things 
Louise was sent for thinking she would be a com- 
fort to them, while reaping advantages for herself. 

But Charles had so engrossed her attentions, 
while embittering his was-to-have-been wife’s life, 
that she rather demurred to the offer made her, which 


83 


BENVENUTA 


led to Annita’s parents discovering the cause of it 
and giving her choice of relinquishment of him, and 
acceptance of her friends’ otfer, or abandonment of 
her on their part. The latter she accepted, and was 
soon adrift upon the world, causing untold unhap- 
piness in more families than one. 

Upon hearing of Annita’s state of health, 
Dorothy hastened to her, never having believed the 
gossip that was afloat. The meeting of the two 
friends of days gone by was pathetic, but Dorothy 
soon discovered that there, too, follies had made 
their inroads upon happiness, and her own heart 
softened and made her long to be the cause of a per- 
fect reconciliation between them. This was no small 
undertaking and when finally etf ected, Annita ’s wish 
was to return to Benvenuta, where they had both 
spent their happiest days. 

Bradley’s manhood was greatly crushed, and 
when they were alone it was seen that his proud 
spirit was robbed of its characteristics of old, leav- 
ing him less joyous, though in public the change 
evinced was assigned to his ill health, which all 
thought would soon be restored. Not so with his 
poor regretful wife, who became daily more feeble, 
and it would seem was wilting like a flower. United 
understanding between two souls is what is called 
‘ ^ simpatica, ” and it would seem this no longer ex- 
isted. Both of them v/ere suffering, the one from 
disappointment, the other from remorse. 

Benvenuta was even more beautiful than ever 
before to Bradley, who had not appreciated it when 
seen before at that season, for the foliage was of 
every imaginable hue, from the darkest to the light- 


84 


BENVENUTA 


est golden shades, the darkest to the lightest red 
shades, with green interspersed; the pine trees hold- 
ing their own, and filling the air with their delicious 
perfume; the atmosphere so clear and bright that 
one’s lungs were filled with buoyancy and expand- 
ing the chest was a joy. 

Bradley was again called abroad on business and 
the parting with his wife was very sad, contrasting 
as it did with their first separation when confidence 
had never been shaken. He did not realize what it 
meant to her in her penitent condition, hut when he 
saw his beautiful boy, with his fine brown eyes and 
golden ringlets, nestled away on his mother ’s bosom, 
he stood gazing tenderly at the picture, and putting 
his arms about them was his farewell as he left the 
room with tearful eyes. His absence was to be of 
short duration, but circumstances lengthened it, and 
during that time Annita sank gradually into a state 
of such indifference that her family became alarmed, 
and her physician was most watchful, for he feared 
the worst. 

Bradley’s return was accompanied by the most 
painful shock, for the change in her had been very 
great and now his heart went out to her in deepest 
sympathy, for he realized what she must have suf- 
fered, and struggling with his manhood, he dis- 
missed everyone and cared most tenderly for her 
himself, with the result that her sweetness soon won 
him back, and her sorrowing soul was laid before 
him. Often would he bring his boy to her room, the 
windows of which looked out on the beautiful Hud- 
son Eiver, and numerous lovely homes spotted here 
and there through the trees, and there they would sit 


85 


BENVENUTA 


quietly together while his heart was full to overflow- 
ing with dread of what was coming. 

The cry of two aching hearts was a silent, but 
suffering one, the tale of which would not last long, 
and Bradley, at least, felt the warning. At twilight 
one evening when Annita was resting peacefully 
with her head upon her husband ^s shoulder, and the 
tree toads and crickets were making the hour throb 
with their tiny lives, Bradley dwelt long upon their 
married life, with its happy and sad phases, until 
unconsciously a tear rolled down his cheek and 
rested upon the brow of his wife, the woman he so 
dearly loved, and now felt he must soon part with. 
That fevered drop had awakened her, but she re- 
mained quiet, dwelling upon the suffering she had 
caused the only man she had ever loved, and yet 
trifled with, and when the room was entered to be lit 
up, she it was who said, '‘No, no, leave us as we are.’^ 
It was a case of 

“Two souls with but a single thought, 

Two hearts that beat as one.” 

As is frequently the case, her physicians recom- 
mended a change of climate, but she begged to be 
allowed to remain where she was, and under the ten- 
der care of her fond husband, devoted parents, and 
loving friend Dorothy, the light of her soul went 
peacefully out after a lingering illness, during which 
time the beauty of that character which had been so 
misled by the frivolities of a fashionable life, were 
laid bare before her loving and disconsolate hus- 


86 


BENVENUTA 


band, whose generous heart made him forget and 
forgive any pangs she had ever caused him. 

As the end drew near, her beautiful boy was a 
pleasure to her, and the picture of the two together 
was not soon to be forgotten. 

One day she said to her husband, ask you to 
make me no promises, my dear, about our son, for 
I have every confidence in you, but if it is ever your 
wish — for you are still a young man — to marry again, 
think of Dorothy, and you may learn to love her, the 
woman that I know would make a good mother to 
my child.’’ 


87 


CHAPTER XI 


W HEN Death’s cruel angel had passed over 
their home, carrying away its treasure, broken 
hearts were left behind, none more keenly so 
than that of Bradley, who, after she was laid away 
in her peaceful grave, so beautifully covered with 
the flower of her liking — La France rose — returned 
to Benvenuta alone, where he lived over in keenest 
suffering their lives from the first hour he had met 
her there, during the days of the house party, when 
she was so radiantly beautiful in all her purity and 
innocence; each spot visited by them together was 
again sought, and all the recollections brought hack 
to mind, not the least of them, when for only a few 
moments they had stood at the side of the beautiful 
fountain, around which swam graceful swans gliding 
beneath the spray of the cascade, and where looking 
into the windows of each other’s soul love’s pleasing 
tale was told to the satisfaction of both of them, 
when Charles coming to them had caused him to re- 
linquish his right, in fulfillment of her wishes. 

Each spot associated with them, either within or 
without the premises, was hallowed in his memory 
and never would be forgotten, and was gone over 
each day vnth. the keenest grief. The room in which 
she had passed away was his own, and hovering over 
her bed his whole soul was poured out, as that of only 
a true, noble man could be. 

The last night of his stay in Benvenuta (for he 
felt he could never see it again), was passed in try- 
ing to map out his future shattered life in a way 
that would be pleasing to the idol of his heart, and 
when on the morrow he bade farewell to it all, his 


88 


BENVENUTA 


manhood was almost overpowered, and when he 
reached his child in New York, it was to present the 
appearance of a broken, hopeless man. Intense as 
was the grief of her parents, great was their sym- 
pathy for him, whose only solace seemed to he de- 
rived from the love he bestowed upon his child. 

Dorothy, true to her word, was tender and at- 
tentive to the little fellow as she could be, for her 
own mother and father’s condition was far from one 
of resignment, and her care of them was greatly 
needed, not to speak of her own sutferings. 

In due course of time Bradley was called to Scot- 
land on business, and his wish was to take his boy 
along with Elise, his mother ’s maid, who had begged 
for the care of her mistress ’ child, and it was granted 
her, never to be regretted, as she was always de- 
voted to him. After due consideration it was deemed 
wiser not to take so young a child so far from home. 
Even Elise, pining for La Belle France, her home, 
did not allow herself to be influenced, but was gov- 
erned by her better judgment, and father and child 
were parted for two very long months to Bradley. 

Upon his return the child had been very ill, and 
Dorothy had stood bravely, where feeling and fulfill- 
ment of promise had kept her, though under trjdng 
circumstances; for jealousy, so dominant in the 
French character, had almost barred her from care 
of any kind for the child already so dear to her. 

Bradley soon discovered the state of things and 
with his straightforward nature, brought Elise to a 
comprehension of her duties, and a realization that 
hers was a position of yielding and not ruling, even 


89 


BENVENUTA 


thougli intense love — for she did worship the child 
— existed. 

Dorothy’s duties to her parents were onerous, 
notwithstanding her love for them, for they were 
old, and as is often the case with the aged, exacting ; 
so that it was a constant struggle to meet approv- 
ingly with their requirements. Wealth brings many 
comforts, but not always forbearance with the inev- 
itable, such as impaired health, and poor Dorothy, 
who had her own humiliating heartaches, for she 
knew of the repellent life Charles was leading, had 
hut poor compensation for her self-sacrifice and 
endurance. 

Louise, with her wonderful beauty, was widely 
known of, and not content with ruining the life of 
one man, was the means of bringing unhappiness to 
many a household. Dorothy was proud and had 
loved Charles dearly, so that she felt crushed, humil- 
iated, indeed it would seem the blight upon her life 
would prove everlasting. 

About this time her parents determined to seek 
improvement of health abroad, and visited all along 
the line of beautiful Eiviera. First they went to 
Monte Carlo, Dorothy thinking the diversion offered 
there would he of more service to her parents than 
doctoring. The winter had been unusually severe 
in New York, interminus perspective of snow bur- 
dened days, raw, cold damp air and very little sun- 
shine, which was depressive as well as house binding. 

Settled there in all comfort and luxury, Dorothy 
determined upon leading a life of usefulness with a 
line of study, which would rest her mind from sad 
recollection, and atford her an excuse for not enter- 


90 


B E N VE N UT A 


ing into the vortex of dissipation, which is enconn- 
tered there; for she knew of some friends who had 
preceded them to that spot, and most likely would 
be offering inducements for a relaxation from a life 
of sorrow and disappointments. She felt herself 
capable of resisting temptation, hut time proved that 
the allurements of society were great, and that one 
slight influence ran into numberless others, for which 
she would excuse herself by saying they were the 
means of dispelling sad memories for the present, 
hut never would ripen into absolute frivolity. Time 
proved that they were on the verge of doing so, for 
she clustered about herself a group of admiring 
friends, to say the least, and hut for a guiding hand 
extended her she might have become a victim to 
another pitfall. 


91 


CHAPTER XII 


A fter her departure, not only little Bradley, 
but his father, had a sense of having lost a link 
from the chain of love, the boy missing the 
tender caresses that an affectionate friend (to him 
far more, hut not fully comprehended) bestowed; 
the father a congenial spirit, who knowing his life, 
could be opened unto. 

As the heat of summer was closing in upon them, 
the New York grandparents suggested the advis- 
ability of a change for the child, and he was taken to 
his grandparents in beautiful Scotland, the land of 
lassies, where in the highlands he passed months 
learning to love those who doted upon him, and 
would gladly have kept him. 

As time wore on, Bradley in search of diversion, 
found his way to Monte Carlo, where Dorothy and 
her parents gave him a warm welcome in their apart- 
ments in the Hotel de Paris ; but the life there had 
no charms for him, frivolities bringing forcibly to 
mind the cause of his sorrows, when his cup of bliss 
was almost full ; and he expressed a wish to drive off 
into the woods with Dorothy, who gladly consented. 

The day was beautiful, heaven seemed to have 
unfolded its loveliness in the clear blue sky, she was 
serenely mistress of the situation, though conscious 
of the fact that Bradley ^s friendly feelings had 
prompted him to put before her mind sheer facts, 
which he was confident she had not realized. A 
sense of imprudence had long caused her self- 
reproach, for she was leading more than one of her 
admirers into dangerous paths, but the delight af- 
forded an attractive woman, caused by the adula- 


92 


BENVENUTA 


tion bestowed 'upon her, was pleasing though she 
knew it was like playing with fire. 

After conversing upon the occurrences of the day, 
and more than once giving her an insight into his 
bereaved life, he led gradually up to hers, asking if 
the present was contrasting pleasantly with the past. 
He saw her shudder and then remain silent for the 
moment, when turning moist eyes upon him she said, 
‘‘Why do you ask me thisT’ 

His reply was, “My wife’s love for you has made 
me wish to shield you from that which will only add 
to your misery for time and eternity.” 

“But what am I to do with myself?” said she. 
“I am still young, and distractions are necessary for 
my very life.” 

“But need they, perforce, be cruel and unprin- 
cipled ones?” 

By this time they had reached a little mountain 
stream, by which he allowed his horse to graze, and 
they descended from the trap to admire the silvery 
looking fish so happy and free in their graceful mo- 
tions, in and out of the small recesses caused by Na- 
ture’s well-provided place of retreat. The rustling 
of the leaves, the sighing of the winds, the splashing 
of the waters, made the spot a romantic one, and 
Dorothy felt the pulsations of her heart quicken, 
while Bradley’s manhood only pointed to the fact 
that he must guard this thoughtless woman, so be- 
loved by his wife, from her own imprudent self. 

“Dorothy,” he said, “with youth much is par- 
doned, but ripe years are not mercifully dealt with. 
Consider this and reflect if your course of action is 
not subjecting you to harsh criticism. I have been 


93 


BENVENUTA 


observing you, yea, even before you were aware of 
my presence, and it is my opinion that your charms 
are making inroads upon the hearts of men. The 
Captain, for instance— a noble valiant man, I am 
told ; if you are conceiving for him an especial liking, 
so let it be. If not, let me beg of you in the role of 
honor, to change your manner of action before your 
behavior becomes reprehensible, and painful to those 
interested in your standing. 

‘‘Walter, while the most pleasing to woman’s 
fancy, I cannot believe is really interesting to you, 
but he adds to the list of your followers and pleases 
your vanity. His personal appearance, his manners, 
his birth, all go to make him one of the men sought 
after, but you must not frivol your life away to drown 
disappointment or arouse jealousy. I do not wish to 
assume an air of proprietorship with you (where- 
upon his face suffused with blushes), but I do wish 
to protect you, if you will allow me, while showing 
my gratitude for what you have been to my dear 
ones, if nothing more.” 

Dorothy expressed her appreciation of his kind- 
ness, and their drive home was a quiet one, full of 
reflection to each of them. He bade her a hearty 
farewell and took the night train for his home in 
Scotland. 

That night Dorothy excused herself from fulfill- 
ing an engagement to attend a dance at the Casino, 
and in the quiet of her own room, with her head 
bowed and resting upon folded arms, over the cen- 
ter table, upon which the shadows of a burning lamp, 
with exquisite colors, danced and played, she felt 
the throbbing of her heart. She questioned the wis- 

94 


BENVENUTA 


dom of her present course, while approving of the 
warning of the one to whom she felt herself for the 
first time more than usually drawn. As the minutes 
bubbled and dipped from the old grandfather clock, 
she said to herself, ‘ ‘ Things that are true, are often 
blue,’’ and with well conceived ideas of her future 
course of action, she sought night’s slumbers, which 
only came to her after much tossing. 

The following day she was to be one of a large 
dinner party given at the Hotel de Paris by the Cap- 
tain, really in her honor, and it was upon this occa- 
sion that the Captain for the first time questioned the 
power of his attractiveness for her, and was com- 
pelled to believe that some unknown cause was re- 
sponsible for so palpable and sudden a change. 
Dorothy was not versed in the guiles of society, 
which would have taught her to use her rod, playing 
more deftly and long with finds ere she scattered 
them to the winds. 

The entertainment was a grand one, chaperoned 
by the Captain’s sister, a woman of standing in her 
Tennessee home, Mrs. Orlotf, who was charming and 
devoted to her brother. When the Captain escorted 
Dorothy home and questioned her closely he re- 
ceived the unsatisfactory reply that they would 
shortly be obliged to depart from Monte Carlo, and 
that she had been annoyed. His was a feeling good 
night; hers a thoughtful one. 

The following day brought her a veritable love 
note, of such a sentimental nature that Dorothy was 
made to realize the truth of Bradley’s warnings, and 
to hesitate long before replying to it. Indeed many 
notes were destroyed before she had written one to 


95 


B E N VE N UT A 


her satisfaction, and that one made her recall the 
following lines: 

“If the hidden sorrows of each of us, 

Were written on our brow, 

How many of those who are envied. 

Would win our pity now?” 

For she was far from happy, and hoped Walter, 
who had been somewhat upon a par with the Captain 
in his attentions, would not be encouraged to fancy 
himself anything more than a friend ; and quite likely 
he would not be, for he was a decided ladies’ man, 
fluttering like a moth about a candle, around each 
newcomer with a pretty face. 

The Captain was chagrined over her note, but 
being a man of the world, accepted the situation 
calmly, though with deep regret, and did not make 
himself obnoxious when they met by referring 
to it. 

True to her word, Monte Carlo was soon aban- 
doned for Mentone, where the climate was ideal 
and she settled down to a life calculated to be more 
productive of satisfactory results, in the Hotel de 
Rome. There she found herself thinking frequently 
of little Bradley, and not unfrequently of his father. 

Upon one occasion when she was wandering from 
shop to shop, as tourists always do, she chanced to 
be attracted by a beautiful peasant doll, dressed in the 
costume of the Canton, and she yielded to the tempta- 
tion of selecting one to send to this ‘ ‘ love of a child, ’ ’ 
as she always called him, which was despatched with 
a few loving lines to the little fellow, and its receipt 
was acknowledged by the father in truly grateful 
style. 


96 


BENVENUTA 


When fall had set in and the knowledge that home 
heat had passed away, Bradley returned to New 
York with his son, and nurse, Elise, all of whom 
were welcomed by the grandparents, who had taken 
especial pains in having the walls of his playroom 
freshly decorated with nursery rhymes and pictures 
which could not fail to delight him. He was a lovely 
boy, only so like his mother that it was a living sor- 
row to them all; not only in his looks, but in all of 
his little ways; and Bradley often wished that he 
had been a girl — ^which is not frequently the case 
with a man. But his feeling was that as a girl his 
wife would have been brought hack to him even more 
forcibly. 

In the vortex of business Bradley soon found 
respite from the sting that still pricked, and often 
his thoughts would revert to the wish that his wife 
had expressed about Dorothy, for he was a domestic 
man and the word home was full of meaning to him. 
Sometimes he sent friendly letters to Dorothy, and 
his heart was full of appreciation of the fact that his 
warnings had been heeded, and that she had turned 
a cold shoulder upon frivolities, evinced by the tone 
of her responses. 

It was deemed advisable for her parents to re- 
main in that soft, balmy climate during the winter 
months, which was a disappointment to Dorothy, but 
borne courageously. She thought the Adirondacks 
would answer as well, but no voice could equal that 
of the physicians, though penetration would show 
one that self-advancement had much to do with it. 
The star of grandeur and prestige has aroused envy 
in many, but not in all. Some writer said, ‘‘Obedi- 
ence to the law is the light of the soul.^’ Eemem- 


97 


BENVENUTA 


bering this, Dorothy yielded, but never felt influ- 
enced by a grandeur and prestige of selfish motives. 

Cannes on the Mediterranean, was the resort 
most highly recommended to them, and there they 
established themselves in rooms overlooking the 
sea, and between salt baths; driving along its bor- 
ders ; inhaling that balmy air ; partaking of the fresh 
fruits; just culled from the trees, with such aroma 
as we never enjoy; and being delighted by the view 
of lovely cottages studded along the foot of the 
mountains, their illumination at night presenting 
the scene of fairyland; the air laden with the per- 
fume of such flowers as are seldom seen; they im- 
proved daily and began to talk of returning home 
in the spring — ^not to open up their New York home, 
but the one at Lakewood. 


98 


CHAPTER XIII 


I FIND myself from rapid flow of ideas passing 
over some of the sweetest of my recollections 
concerning Bradley. On the second anniversary 
of his dear wife’s demise, he went alone to the ceme- 
tery to visit her grave, carrying with him especially 
ordered La France roses, and as he approached the 
sad spot, he remarked a tall, heavily laden bush of her 
favorites at the head of the grave, with branches over- 
spreading it, and the perfnme of the flowers brought 
forth such painful as well as happy remembrances, 
that kneeling alone with his hand outstretched upon 
it, the tears streamed down his face, and he recalled 
first the pleasures of his life with her, then the suf- 
ferings, and finally their tender parting, with prom- 
ises to bury all pain connected with her, while liv- 
ing in the atmosphere of their first love, never to 
be forgotten. 

Gazing upon this beautiful growing rose he won- 
dered whose hand had placed it there, and not until 
long after ascertained that Charles had done so dur- 
ing his absence. But the secret was not to be di- 
vulged, and he respected his wishes, but found 
himself pitying him, as evidently Annita was his 
sole and only love. Perchance, with her his life 
would not have been wasted, and the world’s scorn 
not have been his share of life’s offerings. 

The sight of this bush filled his mind with many 
and varied conjectures, but it was strange that even 
cold and frost had very little effect upon its con- 
tinued flourishing, which told his heart that if angels 
had carried her away, so they would ever preside 
over that earthly abode of hers, and a certain in- 


99 


BENVENUTA 


spiration warned Mm would remain as it was when 
taken away, unchanged by the vicissitudes of time. 

Bradley watched with great and almost jealous 
interest this rose without a thorn, and speaking to 
himself would say, ^‘How strange that the one who 
almost nipped my happiness in the bud, and the one 
who did worse to Dorothy, should with me thus be 
united, over the last resting place of the idol of 
both of us living mortals.’’ 

When Dorothy returned from abroad, Bradley 
asked her to accompany him to the cemetery, and 
when she consented, with rather grewsome feelings, 
for a cemetery had always been a spot she wanted to 
shun, in this instance it was entirely ditferent. 

They went to it both in a solemn mood, and when 
they entered the gate his inclination was to tell her 
what they would soon see, but he refrained, and on 
the very spot itself everything was explained to 
Dorothy, who listened with tearful eyes, and taking 
her to a rustic seat not far off he told her of Annita’s 
wishes and asked her how she felt about aiding him 
in carrying them out. 

A long silence followed, in which both went over 
their past lives, and neither saw a way to make a 
change without deliberate reflection. Kmeeling at 
the side of the grave, they asked their loved one to 
guide them and give them her blessing, that they 
might not err in their final step. Each culled a 
green leaf from the bush, he placing his with the 
picture in his locket, she pressing hers beneath the 
leaves of a small pocketbook. Thus they left the 
spot in most reflective mood, and returned home, 
having said but little. WTien he parted with her at 


100 


B E N VE N UT A 


her door, her face was pale and the lines of care 
deeper than he had ever seen them, and no doubt, as 
sad a tale was told by his. 

After a cup of tea, she sought the quiet of her 
room in the Waldorf — for they were only passing 
through New York — and he was glad to feel that he 
could, at the club, retire to himself and be alone 
with his own sad questioning thoughts, as long as 
he chose ; for men are not disposed to intrude upon 
each other’s privacy when they withdraw to a corner. 

He did not wish to return home in his present 
frame of mind, but a moderate drink, a man’s balm, 
composed him, and soon he was viewing life from 
the practical standpoint. After due deliberation he 
sat and poured out his manly feelings in writing to 
the woman he was now otfering the highest position 
in his life, namely, that of becoming his wife and 
the mother to his boy, who had always loved her, 
and needed a mother’s affection and care. 

He began by saying, ‘‘We must both admit that 
life is a problem at best, and then we must ask our- 
selves if we are capable of solving it, providing for 
ourselves the best means of making it a healthy and 
happy Christian one. If we feel that we are, noth- 
ing is left to do but grasp the reins of life that are 
thrown out to us, and steer along the lines before us, 
with honor and love as our guiding stars. I could 
not tell you, Dorothy, that I had never loved before, 
for that would be false to my wife’s memory, as well 
as to my manhood, but I can say that I will give you 
all that was not bestowed upon her, and that my 
loyalty shall be ever beyond reproach, and that if 
my fondness for you did not satisfy me that what 


101 


BENVENUTA 


I could give you would make you happy, I should 
not risk embittering your life as well as my own. 

From you I ask no trying avowals. Your past 
is dear, as well as sad to you ; so is mine to me. But 
if you think me capable of dispelling clouds and sub- 
stituting for them sunshine and happiness, it will 
not only he removing darkness and desolation from 
yourself, hut acceding to the wishes of my child’s 
mother. 

We have both passed the age of filling pages with 
love’s fond dreams; they must be substituted by 
promises pondered over and lived up to, for our own 
happiness and that of all associated with us. 

If your reply, dear woman, is what I pray it may 
be, I shall extend to your parents that respect and 
attention they are entitled to, by asking for their 
approval ; then I shall impose upon myself the pain- 
ful task of asking the blessings of my poor dear wife ’s 
parents, while telling them I am following the wishes 
of their own child. 

Come what may, I shall always he your warm 
and grateful friend, Bradley.” 

This despatched he drove home where he fondled 
and amused his baby hoy until time to dress for din- 
ner. At that repast he learned what he should have 
known during the day, but for his own disturbed 
condition of feeling, namely, that there had been 
almost a panic in the stock market and that great ex- 
citement had existed on ’change. His ignorance of 
the condition of things forced him to admit he had 
had his own troubles, which bereft him of business 
sense, and to hasten from the table in quest of his 
partner. Theirs was stocks and bonds business car- 


102 


BENVENUTA 


ried on between a Scotland and New York bouse, for 
the most part, and they were houses of the best re- 
pute and successful standing. 

His father-in-law abstained from telling the fears 
of business men concerning the two houses, and it 
was only when Halstead, his partner, was reached 
that the true condition of things was understood, 
making Bradley, himself, very apprehensive. 

It was Friday, and Saturday was a very anxious 
day for everyone, not closing business as was the 
custom at noon, but far into the night, sending many 
home with anxious hearts to suffer from during the 
Sabbath day. 

Upon reaching home late Saturday, Bradley re- 
ceived an answer to his letter from Dorothy, which 
he carried to his apartments, not stopping, as was 
his custom, in his child’s room; first absent-minded- 
ness, then the wee hours prevented it. Mopping the 
perspiration from his brow, he held the letter for 
some time in his fingers, asking himself if this was 
to be another test of his feelings and manhood. 

Just then his father-in-law called to him to know 
what -the latest news was. His reply was, Things 
do not look very promising vith me, but are not as 
hopeless as at first appearances,” and bidding him 
good night he withdrew to his desk and tore open 
the note, perfumed with violets and orris root, which 
began, ‘‘Dear Bradley,” and continued in a most 
happy strain, saying that she felt flattered by the 
honor paid her and her first impulse was to accede 
to his wish in full, but her experience had been such 
a sad one, that she begged for more time to consider 
all points before doing that which would, perhaps, 


103 


BENVENUTA 


jeopardize the happiness of both of them, and wind- 
ing np with the hope that he was not suffering from 
the panic. ^ ^ Of course you will write me, and I shall 
you, saying when I shall be glad to have you come to 
me at Lakewood, for which place we leave on the 
Monday noon train. Until we meet, yours sincerely, 
Dorothy. ’ ^ 

Beaching the depot at stated time Monday, flow- 
ers and a note awaited her. He had no disposition 
to intrude and would await her summons, besides 
which, business matters demanded his attention. 
The times were most strenuous for a few days and 
at the expiration of them Bradley felt that he had 
been amongst the sufferers, but he was a rich man 
outside of his business, and had always been pru- 
dent, which Scotch instincts make a man, so that he 
soon rallied. 

Some days elapsed before he heard from Dorothy, 
and then it was to ask him to come to them at Lake- 
wood, bringing Bradley, Jr. He replied, ^‘Will 
hasten to you, but not to remain at your house, for 
reasons which will be satisfactory to you. Expect 
me at four p. m. Tuesday. 

And when he arrived she met him cordially on 
the comfortably arranged veranda of their palatial 
cottage, for even then there were hours, in the middle 
of the day especially, when this glass enclosure was 
lovely and sunny. Be it remembered this was early 
spring, and with the palms, singing birds and 
aquarium, she thought it a most lovely spot to re- 
ceive him in. 

As she advanced, a snow white spaniel, with a 
blue ribbon tied about its neck, sprang forward with 


104 


BENVENUTA 


a bark of welcome. Tea was served and then their 
hearts led them np to the subject dearest to them, 
and before he left her, a happy understanding ex- 
isted, and he was to call upon her parents the follow- 
ing day, bringing with him his beautiful boy, but 
leaving Elise behind, deeming discretion the better 
part of valor. 

Dorothy paved the way for his coming with her 
parents, who were not greatly surprised — ^indeed 
rather pleased— for the thought of leaving her un- 
protected, and they realized they were feeble, caused 
them great solicitude ; for though she had a brother 
by the name of Arthur, his early manhood had been 
so painful to them that he was encouraged to go 
west, after having taken the risky step of allying 
himself with a noted French danceuse, by the name 
of Hortense Declat. 

An effort was made to eradicate him from their 
lives after having agreed to a handsome yearly re- 
mittance. Dorothy was young when he left home, 
and with never a mention of him he soon passed out 
of her life. As is seldom the case, this danceuse de- 
veloped unexpected traits, became the mother of two 
tine children and for years led a happy life. But 
murder will out, and the natural instincts could not 
continue suppressed, so she ran off to New York un- 
der an assumed name, and was soon running the 
gauntlet with Charles, the same who had wearied 
of Louise ’s charms, or at least wanted variety ; and 
Arthur returned home, a much changed man, not 
knowing up to this time that New York was her place 
of selection. 

After many weeks of great anxiety as to how 


105 


BENVENUTA 


these little ones should be disposed of, a widowed 
cousin of small means was selected to preside over 
his modest home and do the required duties, and he 
buckled down to work, hoping to redeem himself in 
the confidence and love of his parents. His appear- 
ance on the horizon occurred just at this time and 
Dorothy was compelled to ask Bradley to defer see- 
ing her parents until a more propitious time. 

Bradley prolonged his stay for a few days in 
Lakewood, that he might be with Dorothy and see 
her as her own natural self, for there had always 
been a certain amount of restraint between them, 
caused by conjectures about them and their futures. 
The day before he departed he dined at their cottage, 
‘‘Edelweis,’’ meeting again the parents, and for the 
first time the brother, who notwithstanding his bra- 
vado manner, had a good face, and was most familiar 
with the far West, carrying them even to the dis- 
tance of Pike’s Peak, in his descriptions, and elab- 
orations upon a life he had grown to love. 

Baby Bradley came to them for dessert, Elise re- 
maining in the maids’ hall until leave taking took 
place, when the automobile bore the three away, 
after a most decorous parting between the two. 
Baby’s clinging to her was thought only natural, as 
he had been a part of her life since his mother's 
death. 

Eeturning to the house, Arthur’s admiration for 
the man was expressed by the ejaculation, ‘‘Say, I 
call that a bully fine man, ’ ’ which caused Dorothy to 
smile and hide her blushes by looking far away 
through the windows, and saying they certainly had 
lovely weather for the trip. 


106 


B E N VE N UTA 


She went to her home, sat down, and a calm, 
peaceful feeling came to her while she said to her- 
self, ‘‘I am sure that I have made no mistake this 
time,’^ and allowing her thoughts to drift, she fell 
asleep and had refreshing dreams, which caused her 
to awaken with the beautiful expression upon her 
face which only perfect contentment impresses there. 

The following day was spent in sweet composure 
with her, and in quiet contentment with him, as he 
had no reason to doubt the sanction of Annita’s par- 
ents when notified of the selection of a mother for 
their grandchild, in particular as they knew their 
daughter’s heart’s wish. But still, uncertainty is 
always a disturbing element. However, his was not 
a cringing nature, rather one to take the bull by the 
horns, if inelegance of expression he tolerated 
That evening while the two gentlemen were smok- 
ing, and his mother-in-law sat hack in state, amid 
cushions of greatest elegance, he broached the sub- 
ject, without noticing much surprise, and at the ter- 
mination of his narrative, they both gave him an 
approving smile, adding that Dorothy would always 
find in them the truest friends and that they had 
heard on all sides stories which prevented this caus- 
ing them any amazement. When he left them that 
evening, it was to kiss her and shake his hand warmly 
in grateful appreciation of their generosity. 

Going from them he went to his child’s room and 
sat long at the side of the crib, seeming to commune 
with his mother, to whom he had given the devoted 
and fresh love of youth ; the loyalty of noble man- 
hood ; the adoration of advancing years ; all of which 
had been nipped in the bud, leaving him with a 


107 


BENVENUTA 


bleeding heart, to be sure, but ultimately making him 
love more tenderly than ever, for pity crowned it, 
and censure always rested with others, making her 
ever the idol that would never be shattered. 

He left the room with these words upon his lips, 
‘‘What is comparable to a woman ^s soul, and that 
she gave me in all its purity, only to have the world ^s 
falseness rob me of it; and her own noble heart re- 
turn it when the fire of remorse and repentance had 
made her suffer unto death. Then how can I love 
another as I did her? Never; but my truthful tale 
has been told Dorothy and I will live up to all of my 
promises, giving her fidelity and her future life all 
that the past has lacked in. Aristotle said that pas- 
sions are habits of the mind and can be gotten rid of, 
as physical habits are gotten rid of, but I differ with 
him, and yet dare not argue against him.’^ 

Letters were exchanged between Bradley and 
Dorothy, containing the usual sentiments, if not 
more, for tried hearts are often more outreaching. 
In due course of time he was asked to return to 
Lakewood, which he did, and his interview with her 
parents was most gratifying and complimentary. 
Then the question of a time being set for the wed- 
ding was discussed, and it was determined it should 
take place most quietly upon her return to the city 
along in the early winter, and that they should plan 
later for their wedding trip, which should be in a 
different direction from all past ones, and not long 
enough to cause her parents unhappiness, nor his 
child’s grandparents’ anxiety. While seeking their 
own happiness, they must ever consider that of 
others. 


108 


B E N VE N UT A 


About this time Arthur discovered that Hortense, 
under the name of Florice, had returned to her old 
life of danseuse, and was sharing Charles ’ attentions 
with Louise, whose voice made her prominent 
amongst connoisseurs. At first his contempt for the 
man almost his brother-in-law was supreme, but ul- 
timately disgust possessed him and utter indiffer- 
ence followed for the trio that had figured amongst 
clean, honest people and descended to the lowest 
level, compelling all to hope that no chance would 
ever throw them together again, while heroic efforts 
would be made to banish them from mind. 

‘‘Man^s life, birth and death turn upon woman as 
upon a hinge, I have heard it said, and if this be 
the case, how much more responsibility rests with 
us, and how ceaseless should be our efforts to en- 
noble ourselves. 

Before Dorothy and family returned to New 
York, numerous and pleasant were the trips Bradley 
made to Lakewood, where driving out into the woods 
and culling wild flowers at the water ^s edge; star 
gazing and all lovers^ diversions were indulged in; 
but not with the gush of extreme youth — only in the 
thoughtful appreciation brought about by greater 
demureness and more lasting enjoyment. 


109 


CHAPTER XIV 


I T WAS well into October when they returned to 
New York, and they planned to be in home for 
Christmas, so that all was astir in Dorothy ^s 
home, and old Eliza, her nurse from childhood up, 
and now her maid, was lamenting that age would 
deny her the privilege of accompanying them. But 
Bussell, a valet of historic standing, was allowing 
himself to fancy that as he had once proven of great 
service to the family on a foreign tour, Mr. Bradley 
might think favorably of him. Not so, for these 
two sensible people had resolved that simplicity 
would teach them more reliance upon each other, 
and greater confidence in one another. It was to be 
a veritable case of ‘Hwo souls with but a single 
thought, two hearts that beat as one. ’ ^ 

Their marriage could not have been more quiet : 
Her family, his family and even his baby boy were 
present, with a handful of intimate friends. Her 
wish was to be married in traveling costume, but 
this idea was distasteful to everyone and she com- 
promised on the French style for widows, namely, 
a delicate grey, which was made in exquisitely beau- 
tiful style and became her perfectly, bringing out 
every line of her beauty and making her the loveli- 
est of brides ; and though supremely happy, her face 
was like his, attractive from the fact that the stamp 
of deep thought was upon it, denoting that the seri- 
ousness of the step had not been overlooked. 

A beautiful and sumptuous breakfast was served 
by New York^s first caterer, and the house was dec- 
orated with pretty, rare fiowers, not in profusion — 
that she had passed through and did not wish to re- 


110 


BENVENUTA 


peat it. Her presents were lovely — ^not numberless, 
as they had been in the first instance. Every effort 
was made to avoid ostentation, and his present to 
her was a diamond sunburst of great beauty, which 
was her sole ornament when married. Her engage- 
ment ring was of sapphires and diamonds, — lovely 
stones, but not at all startling. 

When the friends had departed she kissed her 
little son, who was taken home by his father, then re- 
pairing to her room donned the traveling gown, 
which while most elegant was in no wise noticeable, 
and then the domestics came to bid her goodby and 
a happy return, with such feeling as indicated their 
fondness and respect for her. 

Arthur had hung about her, losing no opportu- 
nity of showing his love, and when the parents, son 
and daughter were alone, he was most tender, all 
going to show that he felt if he had acted differently, 
her life might have been happier and that of all of 
them fraught with less humiliation and self-sacri- 
fice. He plead for her sisterly love and she was 
ever happy in having granted it him. 

Shortly after Bradley was back in traveling at- 
tire, and they departed in the most quiet way in 
their automobile for the steamer, which was to heave 
anchor the following day, at as an early hour as 
possible. Beautiful flowers adorned their cabin, 
the best of the vessel, but in these days of lavish be- 
stowal of plants, this signified nothing, and the 
ocean was almost crossed before anything occurred 
to leave them open to the suspicion of being bride 
and groom. 

The following morning they were well under way 


111 


BENVENUTA 


before many of the passengers arrived on deck. It 
was bright, beautiful, clear, really heavenly, and cal- 
culated to make all of good cheer; even those who 
had stored themselves away for the entire voyage, 
knowing their seasick tendencies, were encouraged 
in the hope that this would be the exceptional occa- 
sion, and that they, too, might look over the sea from 
the deck. 

The passage, save for one long day and night 
was most calm and agreeable. During this time 
great alarm prevailed, the ladies in particular 
watched most anxiously, fearing the end near at hand. 
Indeed, prayers were said in the cabin, amidst the 
roaring tempest ; surging winds, creaking of the ves- 
sel, which tossed wildly to and fro, with the sharpest 
lightning; loud commands of the captain, with the 
weird calls from the sailors, some of whom were lost 
in the tumult ; water flooding the decks and pouring 
down the gangways, while the passengers were as- 
sembled in the main cabin. Meals were not thought 
of towards the end, and could not have been served 
in this affrighted condition, at any rate; though it 
must be admitted order did prevail. 

The afternoon before landing, they sat on deck 
gazing out in silence as far as they could see. Un- 
clouded sunlight enveloped the sea and shore as far 
as the eye could reach, in a bath of pure radiancy. 
The purple waters were covered with a rich white 
foam, and now and again sea gulls would flap their 
wings, almost with musical sound, as they flew by the 
vessel, carrying in their beaks, trophies gathered 
with great pride. 

The reflections of both of them were tinged with 


112 


BENVENUTA 


sorrow, which they strove to overcome, but time is 
the only healer of like pangs. 

That night the moon shone forth in all her glory, 
and seated on deck he said to Dorothy, ‘‘We must 
try to think that life grows richer as it goes on, in 
no matter what way one has to live it, for it is not 
always mockery, nor is it forever filled with sadness. 
Your heart must not he a fountain of tender illu- 
sions; long as your dreams stay fine and fair, my 
dear, what need you care? Solidarity insures hap- 
piness, and this we must ever have. ‘A gem is not 
polished without rubbing, nor is a man perfected 
without trials,’ said some author.” 

The evening before they reached port, after din- 
ner they went up on deck and seating themselves, 
were long silent, when he said, “When we look at 
the beautiful moon, we must believe that love is a 
flower of human nature, for beholding it fills us with 
such sweet sentiments that our hearts are glad- 
dened. ’ ’ 

Soon they descended to the beautifully illumi- 
nated cabin, where all were assembled and delight- 
ful music, both instrumental and vocal could be 
heard, in which all seemed to join with zest and 
great jolliness (even Dorothy and Bradley were of 
the party) . The card players abandoned their usual 
haunts to join the joyous gathering, when a superb 
tenor voice rang forth and astonished them, as there 
had never been an intimation of his wonderful gift. 
It was ascertained he was an opera singer, but averse 
to disclosing his identity, so that he was enjoyed 
without being molested. 

A bright pretty girl, not yet out of her teens, bent 


113 


BENVENUTA 


upon fun of some kind, gathered from a few of the 
passengers artificial flowers — for it must be ad- 
mitted elaborate costumes are indulged in in these 
days on shipboard — and tying them together hastily, 
with ferns and palm leaves taken from the ship^s 
decorations, and making quite a pretty nosegay, she 
presented it with a few amusing lines, fresh from a 
storehouse of her college-day larks, and calling forth 
peals of laughter from all. 

The singer, who was most appreciative and 
charming of manner, selected from his repertoire 
a piece that was particularly suited to the fair lady, 
and sang it with all the emotion of his soul. It was 
late before they retired, after most of them with 
their particular little cliques had partaken of the 
usual Welsh rarebit, and a good night sent forth, 
some humming, others whistling gently, and with, 
for the most part, a divided feeling of joy and regret. 

The day of landing was bright, though March’s 
ugly wind was holding its own, and there was the 
usual flurry and flutter landing. They had not affil- 
iated with the passengers, which was the keynote to 
their non-discovery as bride and groom, but the few 
whom they had met bade them a warm farewell, and 
when their feet were on terra firma in Eome, they 
were not sorry, as they had made great plans. 

As all were assembled on deck the captain gave 
out that a chamois bag containing some diamonds of 
great value had been discovered missing, and the 
owner remembered having them with her when she 
went to the cabin in the storm, since which time she 
had been ill and her loss just discovered. It would 
be barely possible for anyone unconsciously to 


114 


BENVENUTA 


gather ap such a thing with scattered articles of their 
own, and he begged if they had, to have it returned 
to his vessel in his care, for which a handsome re- 
ward would he paid, and his mind relieved of great 
regret over the circumstance. 

When they reached Paris Bradley found posted 
at the American Exchange ‘^Bag containing jewels 
lost on Teutonic recovered and restored to the owner 
of the property, with the reward cheerfully paid.’’ 
The stateroom had been immediately adjoining 
theirs so that it was especially pleasing news to 
them, more so perhaps than thoughtless people 
might imagine. 

They had a charming visit of three months, which 
they enjoyed most heartily, although for the most 
part the beaten track was gone over, and I shall not 
attempt a subject already so beautifully dilated 
upon, but say to you in all frankness that while they 
longed for home and its dear ones, they regretted to 
leave so much that was interesting and beautiful be- 
hind. Unexpectedly they drifted into old familiar 
haunts both sad and dear to them. 

The conjectures of the passengers on all sides 
were, ‘^How shall we fare at the custom house.” 
Of course, all had been truly honest in the statement 
of their possessions, etc., but the feeling that they 
did not want their trunks roughly handled, beautiful 
gowns tossed, as they often are, caused disturbed 
feelings, and their faces were worthy of study. 

Bradley and Dorothy were amongst the first to 
receive attention and Bradley’s various trips had 
made his face a familiar one. Having no record of 
efforts to mislead by smuggling, they had no trouble 


116 


BENVENUTA 


with the few things declared, which were passed 
over without any delay; even the exquisite French 
toy, purchased for Bradley’s boy, created no com- 
motion, and there was no delay about their reach- 
ing home, where all was in readiness with the warm- 
est of welcome. 

They found Bradley a handsomer boy than ever, 
having passed some of the time with his grandpar- 
ents in California, who found themselves each day 
more wrapped up in him. Elise, contrary to the 
usual French bonne, had been loyalty itself, and 
thought no child ever equalled Mon Bijoux, her pet 
name for him. The little fellow was bright and 
smart, and Daddy had not escaped his mind, with 
his various modes of amusing him; while Aunty 
(Dorothy) was as dearly beloved as ever, but now 
must he Mother, which in time he perverted into 
^ ‘ Muddie. ’ ’ 

I must not fail to say here that they had on the 
whole a very pleasant crossing for that season of 
the year, only two days when dishes, bottles and 
plates were tossed about on the tables, regardless of 
their braces, and not a few were confined to their 
staterooms, watching the angry waves dash up 
against the portholes, and sometimes hearing them 
wash across the deck, where but few were brave 
enough to venture; hut at no time had there been 
cause for great anxiety, and when the seas calmed 
down, and the sunlight came forth in all its glory, 
then was a renewed feeling of good cheer and the 
longing for home, sweet home. 


116 


CHAPTER XV 


D orothy naturally wished to go first to lier 
old home, Bradley to the one which sheltered 
his boy, but the matter had been settled in 
their talks over their future plans, and their first 
stop was at Dorothy’s, where an appreciation of 
what Bradley had been was shown him, beyond a 
doubt. And then they both went to see their son, 
with whom they remained long enough to learn that 
the grandparents were indulging in the hopes that 
their sunbeam would not be taken from them. They 
were old, and plead long and hard for his retention. 
Bradley said, ‘‘Mother, for the present he will be 
yours, but the future will tell its own tale;” and be- 
fore they departed the beautiful rare toy was given 
their child, whose eyes sparkled with delight, while 
he danced with joy at Daddy’s explanation of its 
mechanical charms, as well as to the intricacies ex- 
plained to Elise — ^who had been handsomely remem- 
bered. The grandparents were brought appropriate 
and pleasing souvenirs, so that when the time for 
their withdrawal came all was serene. 

Another new chapter in their lives had opened up 
and Bradley felt that while the iron was hot was the 
best time to launch forth. That night before depart- 
ing, he told them he had seen a house which he felt 
would be suitable for their embarking in life, and 
greatly to their surprise and pleasure there was no 
demurring, and their plans were freely discussed 
and approved of. 

The following day was devoted to business, first 
of all, but when those hours were over, they went 
together to the house which would most likely be their 


117 


BENVENUTA 


home, for Bradley was a man of such taste and judg- 
ment that his wife had no reason to doubt his ability 
in this case, as well as all others. It was one of the 
conventional brown stones, but of less height than 
the majority of them, thereby suiting them better. 
After examining it thoroughly and determining 
what they should require done, they went home, and 
in the quiet of their own apartments the pros and 
cons of the case were discussed, and as peaceful 
slumbers closed in upon them a decision had been 
settled upon, and their minds relieved of suspense, 
at any rate. 

Sunday was the next day, and she accompanied 
him to church without hesitancy, and their midday 
meal was one of great pleasure, relating their expe- 
riences abroad and since to her parents, who were 
alive with interest and promises about what they 
would do for them. 

Daily visits were made to their darling, whom 
they told about the goat wagons on the Champs 
Elysee, the Hippodromes, the Polichinel, and all the 
sights calculated to please him. He would listen 
with his beautiful eyes wide open, and when they 
came to a pause, say, ^^More! more!’^ Finally, 
nestling away in his mother’s arms, he would some- 
times drop otf to sleep to the sound of her sweet 
voice in some lullaby tune, and laying him down she 
would think of his own sweet mother, and the hap- 
piness denied her by cruel fate. 

The requirements demanded of the landlord were 
not considered unreasonable, perhaps in view of the 
fact that the house had long been vacant, and while 
things were being put in order, they had great pleas- 


118 


BENVENUTA 


ure selecting many articles together. Others his 
wife and her mother chose, for whom this afforded 
a diversion of time spent otherwise monotonously. 
Bradley was a man of means, she a child of wealthy 
parents, and why should they not have their hearts’ 
wishes, without its being ‘‘abundance de richesse,” 
which good taste can always control. 

When the time came for determining upon do- 
mestics, it was with difficulty that Dorothy pre- 
vented a disorganizing of her parents’ home, for the 
butler, Zeno, a most capable servant of long stand- 
ing, wished to go with them, but, of course, such an 
idea would not be entertained. Eliza, however, 
Dorothy’s attendant from childhood up, was received 
with the affection Dorothy always bestowed upon 
her, and long as she had been in their employ, she 
had never divested herself of a most pronounced 
brogue, accompanied by a strong streak of Irish wit, 
which almost endeared her to people, and before 
long Bradley was as fond of the good old soul as 
Dorothy, whom she persisted in treating like a child. 

When the subject was discussed of bringing little 
Bradley home, the thought arose that Ireland and 
France would not agree. “But,” said Bradley, 
“let us not cross the bridge before reaching it,” and 
they wished to spare the grandparents sorrow as 
long as possible. 

The most satisfactory way to portray to your 
mind the pleasure these two devoted people derived 
from arranging their home, is to suggest your put- 
ting yourselves in their place under similar circum- 
stances, and then you will have the story in a nut- 
shell, while rejoicing over their happiness. 


119 


BENVENUTA 


Not so long after they were settled in their home, 
and had been entertaining elegantly, principally 
those of the Four Hundred Set, by whom they were 
often invited, but frequently declined invitations, 
the talk of summer plans began, but they determined 
to remain in the full enjoyment of their lovely home, 
until intense heat should call them from the city, 
when they would only depart for a few days at a 
time to reinforce their powers of endurance. 


120 


CHAPTER XVI 


D OKOTHY’S brother had sobered down with 
an intense disgust for the world, as he had 
really loved his wife, Hortense, and a dread 
overcame him that he should sometime chance to see 
her in her roll danceuse ; and this is just what hap- 
pened when he was on a business trip to Philadel- 
phia, and sought diversion for the evening. 

He was in one of the opera boxes with friends, 
recognized her and felt, too, that she had recognized 
him. Flight from the premises would have been his 
choice, but this he could not do under the circum- 
stances without opening a vein of suspicion, and by 
remaining he became a victim of one of his saddest 
experiences, for she sent him a note full of repent- 
ance and assurances of her love for him. When it 
was handed him he put it in his pocket, with these 
words to the messenger: ‘‘Yes, just tell him that 
I mil attend to it to-morrow,^’ which had the de- 
sired effect of misleading them, and he remained un- 
til they were ready to leave, when he positively fled, 
saying he could not stand crowds. 

The midnight train carried him back to New 
York in the most fevered state of excitement. He 
read over and over again her assurances of love and 
promises of fidelity, if only pardoned, and he feared 
to trust himself with his great weakness for her, and 
wanted to fiy from danger; for he had no confidence 
in her, or inclination to receive her again as his 
wife. And still, he understood his own weakness. 
As she had once woven a network of entanglement 
about him, he feared she might do so again. 


121 


BENVENUTA 


His parents, when told of it, all facilitated his 
departure for Australia at once, by taking his two 
children into their home, and now was the oppor- 
tunity for little Bradley to go to the home in which 
he should grow up, giving them the love they craved 
and were entitled to. The parting was hard on the 
old people, and so was the state of things causing 
their son great grief at the parting with his chil- 
dren; but he hoped through this step to teach him- 
self that hatred for her which would serve as a 
protection in after life. 

The vessel upon which he sailed was lost at sea, 
and the shock was so great to his mother, already a 
delicate woman, that it cost her life and plunged all 
into the deepest grief, aging the father by many 
years, and placing the cousin already in charge of 
the children at the head of his establishment. 

No doubt, poor Dorothy said to herself, ‘‘All 
this misery caused by one man, who may darken the 
days of many more, and yet he lives 


122 


CHAPTER XVII 


T ime sped along and Bradley and Dorothy 
were each day more and more to each other, 
though there was no expatiation upon the bind- 
ing link. Their tastes were the same and their 
lives, so exemplary that they must in time be blessed 
with a realization of all their hearts^ wishes. 

Charles kept himself in the background and but 
for the fact that Louise appeared constantly upon 
the stage of life, memory of him would have faded 
away. 

As luck would have it, a business friend of Brad- 
ley ^s, not of the type to be taken to his house, but to 
the club, appeared on the horizon and he was com- 
pelled to pay him some attention. After dining him 
they went to a much- talked- of vaudeville perform- 
ance, and the leading character on the stage was 
Louise, in her radiant beauty, and with so divine a 
voice that all New York was going mad over her. 
Fortunately for Bradley, he could see and not be 
seen, so that the performance was enjoyed to the 
end, sending the stranger home an infatuated man, 
and Bradley one full of regret that he was made 
cognizant of the fact that she still lived and was 
known as Mademoiselle Camille. Now, especially 
in Dorothy ^s mourning period, she was not apt to 
become known to her, and Bradley would certainly 
guard her from all knowledge of who she was, if 
ever spoken of. 

About this time Bradley’s brother came to Amer- 
ica and visited them, becoming able to write home 
the most pleasing things about their life and menage. 
As Virian, threw her enchantment over Merlin, so 
123 


BENVENUTA 


did Dorothy over Bradley’s brother. Being a man 
of greatest discretion, and seeing how engrossed 
they were by one another, he said to them one day, 
^ ^ I hope my coming has not deflected yonr course of 
action a hair ’s breadth. If I thought it had, I should 
hasten away.” He became so fond of little Bradley 
that the parting cost him many a pang, and he gave 
them to understand he would be his sole heir, which 
it seemed would be the case. 

The life led by them was, owing to the family’s 
mourning, of the most quiet style, but just that to 
please one of his tastes, and as New York was well 
known to him when he cared for diversion, he knew 
how to procure it. Bradley sought no pleasure un- 
accompanied by his wife, unless for the advancement 
of his business, and that was gratifying to his 
brother. 

The day his brother left they accompanied him 
to the vessel, upon which they found their old Cap- 
tain, who welcomed them and extended many courte- 
sies to the brother, thus adding to the pleasure of 
the trip; but there was a vein of mischief in the 
Captain, who soon spied a flourishing old maid 
amongst his passengers and arranged that it should 
reach her ears that Mr. McLaud was a wealthy 
Scotchman, of finest social standing, and the passen- 
gers were amused by the ruses she resorted to in the 
hopes of commanding his attention. 

At first her advances were not noticed, but soon 
they became annoying and perceiving that she was 
making a laughingstock of herself and him, he de- 
termined to enter into the spirit of it and see how 
far she would go. Youth had long since left her. 


124 


BENVENUTA 


leaving decided marks of disguised age, with all the 
frills of jeunesse, and when he paid court to her all 
eyes were upon him, greatly to the passengers’ 
amusement. This he permitted to continue for some 
days, acting the part of lover to the queen’s taste, 
when he brought the affair to a climax by enlisting 
her sympathies for him in his recent bad failure, and 
return to Scotland indefinitely. The following day 
illness confined her to her cabin, and all were de- 
prived of enjoying her elaborate costumes, musically 
affected voice, and attempted attractive manners. 

He enjoyed the whole affair immensely, as well 
as those of his card friends who had put him on his 
guard, only to find that beneath his sober exterior 
there Was a vein of hilarity, ever controlled by dig- 
nity. They met the day the vessel landed in Liver- 
pool, when his sympathies were expressed but 
received with marked coolness, and thus farewells 
were exchanged with a twinkle in many an eye. 

When Bradley and Dorothy were on their way 
home, their machine was run into by an affrighted 
horse, and the chauffeur was hurt sufficiently not to 
be able to continue at his post ; but the car once put 
in the management of another chauffeur they went 
speedily to the hospital to have him tended to. 

A broken finger and some severe scratches 
proved to be all the damage done, but this calls to 
mind the story they tell on Horace Greeley, when 
driving over the mountains in Colorado : He wanted 
to reach a certain destination speedily and noticing 
that the stage driver was letting his horses go very 
slowly, he remonstrated, saying, ''Driver, can’t you 
go a little faster? I must be at my post by such a 


125 


BENVENUTA 


time to make a speech.’’ Not much heed was paid 
to his remark, in fact he began to wonder if the man 
was not deaf, when all of a sudden he cracked his 
whip and started up at such a mad speed that 
Greeley thought he would be dashed over the mount- 
ain side, and again called out, ‘‘Not quite so fast, 
driver.” The reply was, “Keep your seat, Mr. 
Greeley, I’ll get you there in time, or break your 
d neck.” 

Home again and restored to their own heart to 
heart life, they were happy and began to question 
if they were not growing selfish, but it was a most 
peaceful trio, with their darling little son, who often 
reminded them so forcibly of his mother that it 
caused a sharp pang, and yet they would not have 
him other than as he was; and his amusing little 
stories always met with a response from them show- 
ing that pride in him was not lacking. One day when 
his remarks caused them to wonder about the work- 
ings of his little fancies, Bradley looked up and said, 
“Is it not true that imagination is a great, wild, 
seething, insatiate tongue of fire, that thwarts the 
original desire to gorge itself with realities, and 
turns into wild fancies which sear common sense!” 

He called the child, and taking him upon his knee 
talked quietly with him, wishing to see how his little 
mind was working, and marveled at the rapid changes 
from one subject to the other, with distinct ideas 
about everything; and such tender affection that 
soon he was embracing him and wanting to be hugged 
in return. 

It was a beautiful clear evening and he suggested 
a walk, so they went to the park, through which ele- 


126 


BENVENUTA 


gant equipages were passing, and as they walked 
further on, Bradley saw two figures seated on a 
sofa, the one, a woman, pleading with the other, a 
man, whom he quickly recognized as Charles, and 
he fancied intoxicated. Without a word, a cross- 
road was taken and a stillness of death followed un- 
til they reached home, when Dorothy ^s pallor showed 
him she had seen what he hoped would escape her, 
and he called to the butler for a brandy and soda,- 
which he gave her, without speaking, indeed never 
alluding to the occurrence in after days. 

The solidarity existing between them insured 
perfect happiness, and what more could he asked 
for? History tells us that Diogenes found children 
in Sparta, women in Athens, but nowhere had he 
seen men. The present case, for one, proved that 
to be false; nor can Plato’s definition be implied. 
Bradley feared the reaction after this spell, but 
Dorothy showed herself the woman of self-control 
and strength that inspired him with increased pride 
and admiration for her, the following day only indi- 
cating that her suffering had told its tale by leaving 
traces of pallor upon her resigned face. An effort 
was made to take her out of herself entirely by visit- 
ing Baltimore for a few days where she had friends 
— ^indeed relatives. They put up at the Baltimore 
Hotel; there, things were enjoyed in a quiet way, 
everyone striving to do their part toward making it 
agreeable. 

During their absence the boy had been with his 
grandparents, which was delightful for them, as well 
as beneficial for him. 

Drives in Baltimore’s beautiful parks brought 


127 


BENVENUTA 


back recollections of the Champs Elysee, the Bois 
de Boulogne, the Pincheon Hills, the Boboli Garden, 
the Crystal Palace grounds, etc., and they enjoyed 
every moment of their stay. 

Some philosopher said, ‘‘Time was an estate 
which produced nothing of value without cultiva- 
tion,^’ so it would seem that the better these two 
knew each other, the more nearly they were brought 
in touch, which is not always the case with man and 
wife at the present day. 

Upon their return they found that old Eliza had 
been asserting herself with the other domestics and 
rather lording it over them, almost causing a stam- 
pede, which had many most amusing phases to it; 
but this was the first unpleasant occurrence since 
their establishment in. their home, and painful as it 
was, must be dealt with then and there, bringing to 
light that matrimony on the part of her young mis- 
tress had engendered in Eliza ideas of the same na- 
ture — no fool like an old one — and that she was actu- 
ally trying to captivate the butler, who was a beau 
to the housemaid. When called to Dorothy’s room 
for an explanation, the efforts made by Eliza to- 
wards rejuvenation, almost caused Dorothy to lose 
her dignity and self-composure, for there was even 
a slight dash of rouge on her cheek, etc. Dorothy 
soon made her understand that each one held their 
own position in the house, and that she and her hus- 
band were the only dictators; that she was old 
enough to be mother to most of them, and should 
rather edify than shock them, and she trusted there 
would be no continuance of folly that would only lay 
her open to ridicule, and estrange them all from her. 


128 


BENVENUTA 


It took time to quiet the stormy waves upon the sea, 
so to speak, but it was effected in time and Eliza took 
her old stand, never to he swayed from it again. 

Winter ^s stormy weather was beginning to 
gather about them and the sharp, cold winds, the 
biting snowstorms, the dark overclouded days, etc., 
caused Dorothy to have repeated colds, which re- 
minded her husband of all he had passed through, 
and made him fearful of what might take place, 
causing him to wish her to leave home for a more 
desirable climate. 

But he could not go, his partner being away, and 
to avoid complying with this wish of his, she took 
great care of herself, which enabled them to forego 
the pain of separation, accompanied by anxiety, and 
spring opened up without her being more affected, 
than was to be anticipated under the circumstances, 
for before many a long day she was to become a 
mother, and the wish was for a daughter. 

In these anxious times for Bradley, all the ten- 
derest impulses of his nature were tuned up to the 
highest keynote, and the gentleness of his disposi- 
tion endeared him more than ever to his wife, so 
calm and placid as to increase dreaded forebodings, 
which time proved were ungrounded, as all went 
well, and their hopes were gratified before many a 
day, adding to the trio a violet-eyed daughter, pos- 
sessed of the sweetness which heaven alone can be- 
stow, and adding another link to the chain of hap- 
piness. 

The mother was indeed beautiful as she lay upon 
her bed covered with the costliest linens, laces and 
eiderdown plumeau. Her golden hair was tossed 


129 


BENVENUTA 


in wavy profusion abont her angelically smiling face, 
and the atmosphere, laden with the perfume of vio- 
lets, was so peacefully serene as to tempt bells of 
joy to resound throughout the air, proclaiming what 
their hearts would gladly have the world know. 

It was not a joy that flitted before them like Mac- 
beth’s witches around their caldron — no, no, it had 
come to stay, and when Bradley left the house to en- 
joy fresh air, after spending anxious hours within, 
the blue dome of the cloudless sky seemed never so 
attractive before, and as night came on, the moonlit 
waves sent forth such brilliancy as man could 
scarcely conceive, and his heart was resplendent with 
glory and happiness. 

We are told that youth is often aglow with gen- 
erosity and affection, but it is not comparable to the 
feelings of a man in his position, and when he reached 
his wife’s room again, where the shadows of a soft 
light were flickering, God’s gift lying tucked away 
in her exquisitely bedecked basonet, he sat by the 
side of the sweet wife, and they both forgot that they 
had ever been smitten with grief. 

Balzac says, ‘^Love passes through endless trans- 
formations before it passes forever into our exist- 
ence, and makes it glow with its own color and flame. ’ ’ 

The next day was one of sunshine and happiness 
for little Bradley, whose delight was great over the 
possession of a little sister, into whose eyes he would 
have loved to punch his fingers, as well as pinch the 
tiny nose, and then he wanted mother to arise and 
go to the basonet and see her. ‘ ‘ So pretty, Muddie, 
Oh! Oh!” Well, he was too full for utterance and 
must kiss her little hands and laugh at her squirm- 


130 


BENVENUTA 


ing feet, altogether it was no small task to get him 
out of the room, and his talk was of naught else for 
many a long day. 

In the gloaming that evening, when the subject 
of a name was broached, Dorothy drew tears to his 
eyes by saying she must be called Annita, and when 
they parted that night he told her never before had 
she been so dear to him as in this moment, when the 
grandeur of her nature shone forth so brilliantly. 

Her wish met with approval from all. Her re- 
covery was speedy and ere long she was gladdening 
all hearts by the reflection of her own, and receiv- 
ing gifts and congratulations from friends in this 
country, as well as abroad. 

Eliza would have been proud to have been its 
nurse, but in these advanced days, a nurse must 
know far more than how to rock a cradle or spoil a 
child by rocking it to sleep. She was promised that 
when the child grew older, she would have the care 
of her, which was some consolation, at least. 

Many a little surprise had been arranged for his 
wife, one of them the filling of the palm room with 
rare plants ; singing birds scattered about in pretty 
gilt hanging cages ; an aquarium with specimens of 
gold and silver fish, hiding themselves in the pebbles, 
stones and mosses imbedded in it. The music of 
the birds was sweet, and her delight was great when 
she saw the work prompted by love for her, and 
folded in the napkin at her place at the table was a 
blue velvet box containing an exquisite solitaire dia- 
mond of rare value, hanging from a delicate chain 
destined to dangle from her neck, with high collar ; 
for she was the sort of woman who kept certain 


131 


BENYENUTA 


charms from the vulgar gaze — they were for her 
husband alone. 

All through her illness violets, her favorite 
flower, adorned her room, and that sweet offering 
she felt was evidence enough of his appreciation of 
her, but it would seem too much could not be done 
for her. 

At the christening of the little one, all commented 
upon her lovely deep violet eyes, which many thought 
like her mother ^s, but they were more deeply sunken 
in her head, giving a shadow about them that almost 
gave the effect of black lace, and made you recall 
what Quida said upon the subject. 

Her parents had not enjoyed the arrival of her 
brother’s children, so far off and, as it were, for- 
gotten, so that this one was seemingly the first 
grandchild, enjoyed by the grandfather, who was 
none the less devoted to the children of his lost son 
Arthur. A check of no small amount was his offer- 
ing, and Annita’s parents, who were really touched, 
sent Baby a check to compound itself until she was 
of age; while to Dorothy they sent a miniature of 
Baby Bradley’s mother, surrounded by diamonds, 
as they could not doubt her love for her, and the 
little ones were not to know that they were not full 
brother and sister. Is this not all another evidence 
of God’s love for the righteous? 


132 


CHAPTER XVIII 


B efore Dorothy was able to go about very 
much, they learned that Charles had left the 
country, accompanied by Louise, really his 
bonne amie, but sometimes figuring as his wife, 
though she continued her life as prima donna under 
the name of Mademoiselle Camille, and virtually sup- 
ported Charles. Like all fascinating women she had 
many admirers, which aroused Charles^ jealousy and 
drove him to drink. 

Hearing of their departure was a great relief to 
Bradley, but the report was not yet confirmed, and 
his effort was to ascertain the truth, whether or not 
they had departed. It would seem that before he left 
he was bent upon seeing Dorothy ^s child; with this 
end in view he watched the house, and one of the first 
times the nurse had the child out, and approached the 
carriage and scrutinizing its occupant, departed. 

Fortunately, Bradley was the first to hear of this 
from the nurse upon returning home, and forbade 
her speaking of it. This exasperated Bradley and 
he put detectives on his track, who soon after re- 
ported he was no longer in the country, and quiet 
was again restored to Bradley ^s heart, while the 
hope that he would remain on the other side in- 
fused his breast. 

The two young people brought much sunshine 
into the life of the old grandfather, who was kind- 
ness itself to the orphaned children of poor Arthur. 

When I say Bradley and Dorothy were supremely 
happy, I am scarcely portraying a fair picture, but 
even great felicity falls upon one sometimes, and it 
began to do so with them, inspiring them with a long- 


133 


BENVENUTA 


ing for diversion, so they frequented the best thea- 
ters and were greatly refreshed by a breath of new 
light brought into their lives. 

Lectures of all kinds interested them, not the 
least of them, one by Josephine Casey, organizer 
for the National Garment Workers’ Union. Brad- 
ley was trying to determine whether or not he was 
in favor of equal suffrage, and both he and his wife 
attended many lectures by noted speakers. 

Professor Lucy Salmon said, ‘‘College women 
are beginning to realize that it is not the women of 
society in Colorado who opposed the vote, hut the 
bridge players of New York. Not the woman who 
takes an intelligent interest in life, but the one who 
watches the callers of her neighbors, etc.” 

Bradley was so broadminded that he wanted to 
judge fairly upon the subject, and was putting him- 
self in a position to gain intelligent information. 
One thing struck him forcibly which was the fact 
that more than one priest was in favor of sutfrage ; 
openly avowed that women exercised a most bene- 
ficial etfect in society, as supporters of suffrage. 
This has caused more than one deep thinker to read- 
just his thinking cap, and be slow in determining the 
real sentiments upon the subject. 

One evening after they had been in quest of di- 
version, and returned home, Bradley observed more 
than the usual quiet in his wife, and drawing her to 
a seat on the sofa, found that she was harboring the 
thought that perchance she did not equal him men- 
tally, and that he might weary of her; for to be 
frank she had rushed from the schoolroom, one 
might say, into the vortex of society, giving para- 


134 


BENVENUTA 


mount attention to instrumental and vocal music, 
with the usual smattering of reading bestowed by 
society girls, just to keep up with the talk of the 
day, and had not cultivated solidity. All this she 
acknowledged to him and was willing to adopt a 
plan of life mapped out by him which would make 
her not only more companionable to him, hut far 
less wearying to herself. ‘‘But,’’ said he, “do you 
think my love for the mother of my children could 
ever be on the wane? Never ! You are all in all to 
me, but I want you to shine forth before your fellow- 
men as a rare and not prosaic woman, thereby keep- 
ing my pride in you constantly stimulated.” 

The following day was Sunday and both the little 
ones came to breakfast with them ; little Bradley to 
amuse them with his endless and often to he won- 
dered at questions, while Annita charmed them with 
her loveliness, and her brother’s tenderness re- 
ceived so sweetly, was a source of joy forever to 
their parents. Sunday breakfast was their only 
full meal with them; sometimes they were brought 
in for dessert, and always spoken of by the butler 
as Master Bradley and Mistress Annita, the true 
English style. 

Before departing for church a message came 
from Dorothy’s father, with the wish that they dine 
with him. The weather was so fine that they walked, 
and their machine met them after church at the door, 
taking them to the rather distant home of her par- 
ent. Her father was ailing, and a plan for going to 
his home at Lakewood, Edelweiss, for a long stay 
was discussed and determined upon, greatly to Dor- 
othy’s regret, for it meant she would see less than 


135 


BENVENUTA 


she wished to of him, and he but little of Baby 
Annita. 

Arthur’s elder son (named for his father) was 
preparing for school, where he wonld go shortly. 
James, the yonnger (after his grandfather), would 
continue his studies under a governess for still a 
while, and, of course, would be with him, thus keep- 
ing life in the house. 

As age and ill health came into the Bosch family, 
Bradley found his father-in-law was appealing more 
and more to him, abiding by his judgment in almost 
everything. 

Soon the city house was closed and all had re- 
paired to Edelweiss, where the daughter’s suite was 
ever in readiness for her; but annoyance awaited 
him in the person of the caretaker, whose quarters 
were in the lodge gate, a lovely rustic house, which 
in summer was covered with honeysuckle and wis- 
taria vines, which had to be kept trimmed around the 
windows and doors, not to exclude light from them, 
but it presented the prettiest of pictures and was 
most inviting. 

He was a Swiss man by the name of Andre, with 
a wife and child, towards whom he became so brutal 
that for a while he was banished from his position, 
and when he returned it was to find that his wife 
and child had fled from the country, to join those of 
their own blood on the other side. He was wonder- 
fully clever, and when taken away was in the midst 
of arranging the unusual adornments of the grounds, 
such as rustic bridges, small streams, fountains, 
grottoes, etc., and if his eccentricities could have been 
kept under control, he would have made a veritable 


136 


BENVENUTA 


Garden of Eden of the place. As it was an effort 
to trace his lost ones, it made him abandon his posi- 
tion and his successor fell short of their expectations, 
though he did improve the grounds, as must he 
admitted. 

Her father soon felt improved in the balmy cli- 
mate of Lakewood, and hoped to have them with him 
in the summer ; but a trip abroad for all four of them 
was being planned, even at this early date. Bradley, 
however, who was very fond of his first wife’s father 
as well, conceived the wish to see them return to 
their magnificent place on the Hudson, Benvenuta; 
where at their time of life far more comfort was 
procurable. 

Time heals the deepest wounds, and although 
when he bade adieu to the spot, where the most har- 
rowing events of his life had taken place he never 
expected to return to it, as time wore on he had a 
desire to have his son know something of the place 
so beloved by his mother, and he surprised the boy’s 
grandparents by expressing a willingness to accom- 
pany them there and remain a few days. This he 
did, taking Elise, the nurse, and Bradley, the baby. 

At first his sufferings well nigh killed him, but 
were mellowed into beautiful Christian resignation, 
and hand in hand with his boy he went over many 
hallowed spots, telling him whatever was suitable, 
and reserving for himself her room, in which every- 
thing was sacred to him, and was used with the feel- 
ing that it would make him a better man, for what 
love equals the first, when the wellsprings of the 
heart are newly opened? 

The first two days he kept for his own and was 


137 


BENVENUTA 


mncli in solitude ; then coming forth with manly cour- 
age, he made himself useful to the grandparents, 
with whom he left Bradley for a few days. When 
he departed he had endeared himself more than ever 
to the in-laws, who saw him leave reluctantly. 

Arriving home, Dorothy greeted him in the sweet- 
est of ways, and with little Annita in her arms made 
so sweet a picture that his embraces were the fondest 
and his heart soon opened unto her, and everything 
was told, kindling anew the love for the one who had 
helped secure her their present happiness. 

^‘In time, my dear, we must both return to Ben- 
venuta and bring her back into our lives, shall we 
notr’ ‘‘Gladly,’^ she replied, ‘^for she will ever 
be dear to me, nor cause a feeling of jealousy.’’ 

It is the center of warmth and light created by 
love, friendship and devotion that brings about that 
union of hearts and mind. The English call the dear- 
est spot on earth home. The French have no better 
name than ‘ ‘ foyer. ’ ’ Theirs were peaceful slumbers 
that night for unto the righteous quiet of soul is 
ever given, and love was fortified by their recent 
experiences, and wish to be true to the dead as well 
as the living. 


138 


CHAPTER XIX 


T he death of Annita was such a heartrend- 
ing blow to her mother, not to speak of the 
undermining of her health, caused by her con- 
stant vigilance, that she soon followed her to her 
last resting place, leaving a most wretched, desolate 
husband, alone, one might say, to realize each day 
more forcibly what his losses had been, and but for 
the preponderant Christian feelings of his nature, 
he would have questioned the justice of an allwise 
Maker. Often he would be heard saying, ‘^And yet 
such are the ways of Divine Providence. In his 
sorrow he learned to express himself aloud, which 
was most pathetic, and yet seemed to be a great re- 
lief to him. 

Bradley filled to the best of his ability the posi- 
tion of his lost ones, and strove to sweeten the bitter 
sting of his declining years by bringing about him 
those who loved him, having his reconciliation to the 
great bereavement paramount to all else in mind. 
The effort was not crowned by success, as they were 
forced to realize he was longing for death rather 
than cultivating life, and not long after he returned 
to Benvenuta the last time he passed away in the 
manner that future accounts will lay before us. 

Hor tense (Florice) continued her mad career 
and, strange to say, attracted great admiration still, 
collecting about her men who blighted their own do- 
mestic happiness by seeking her society ; and finally 
one evening her fluffy skirts caught on fire, causing 
great consternation among the audience, who were 
calmed with great difficulty after the asbestos cur- 
tain was lowered, and the manager coming to the 


139 


BENVENUTA 


front assured them there was no damage done, and 
Mademoiselle Florice only slightly injured. Then 
the curtain rose again, and the performance was con- 
tinued, all thinking but lightly of the occurrence. 

Mademoiselle was taken to the hospital, where 
no pains and money were spared to restore her ; but 
when she appreciated her condition, and realized 
that her looks were greatly marred, and that her 
limbs would never he the same, she lost hope, be- 
came disconsolate, and partook of some quieting 
drug, which it was impossible to trace as having 
been brought to her, and passed away, greatly to the 
surprise of her physician. She had been a great 
favorite with the ballet set, much courted by the 
roue set, and was followed to her last resting place 
by some pitying friends, who little knew the veil of 
sorrow that her demise would raise from many a life ; 
not the least of them her two innocent sons, who it 
was to be hoped would never be told the sad tale, and 
the world would soon wipe from its memory all 
thoughts of the famous danceuse. 

Kind Providence spared the family all allusions 
to whom she had been, and humiliation did not have 
to be endured by them, as upon many previous occa- 
sions. Now, it was hoped that Charles would re- 
main abroad, as the eclat caused by Louise’s superb 
voice was no less far-reaching on that side of the 
water than it had been on this, and it would seem 
the life in that atmosphere was more in conformity 
with his tastes. 

But Bradley asked himself what did that step 
concerning his curiosity to see Dorothy’s child mean? 
Could it be that degradation of nature, jealousy and 


140 


BENVENUTA 


spite had been stimulated, and that he contemplated 
harm of some kind? Fortunately, Dorothy was ig- 
norant of it and in this instance sorrow was spared 
her. 


141 


CHAPTER XX 


I T MUST not be conjectured that Dorothy had 
forgotten little Albert, or the promises made to 
take him in the machine through the park — not 
for a moment — but circumstances prevented their 
word being lived up to. However, the name of Al- 
bert was a familiar one in their family. When little 
Bradley was naughty and wilful, his mother would 
often say, ‘‘Albert would not do that,’’ and it gen- 
erally had a quieting effect, while he, on the other 
side, when particularly good, would ask, “Is Albert 
as good a boy as I am?” His name was always 
most soothing. 

One evening his mother said, ‘ ‘ If you are a good 
boy I will take you with me some time to get Albert 
for a spin,” which delighted him. Strange to say, 
not long after this when Bradley and his wife were 
walking in the park, they were startled by a child’s 
rushing to Dorothy and saying something sweet, as 
it were, under breath, for the child had been taught 
she was “Pretty Lady’s” friend, and his recollec- 
tions of “Pretty Lady” were very vivid, as well as 
loving. Annita had told her experiences then to her 
husband and Dorothy, and as all these recollections 
pressed upon them they were glad to talk to the boy, 
now quite well grown, and asking him to walk with 
them, they learned much of his father, amongst other 
things that he was in poor health. 

Bradley took it all in and promised himself to 
call soon and see him, which he did; while Dorothy 
took Albert for the promised spin, and the child was 
clever enough to love little Bradley especially, be- 
cause he was “Pretty Lady’s” child, and was so ten- 


142 


BENVENUTA 


der with him that Bradley never forgot him, and his 
parent. He had ever the deepest interest in Albert, 
and without making his delicate father any promises, 
they were sure they would never lose track of the 
child or let him suffer, because of the part he had 
acted in Annita’s life. 

Little Annita had grown to he a lovable child, 
under old Eliza’s care for the most part, though she 
was getting old and had an assistant nurse; but as 
said before the rearing of these children was largely 
English, and while they were not brought much to 
the front, they were enjoyed and beloved by their 
parents, each one having one to coddle in their real 
home domestic hours. 

During the sharp, bleak, winter months, not long 
after Christmas, when a change of climate was be- 
ing discussed by Bradley and his wife, who should 
come down upon them most unexpectedly, hut Brad- 
ley’s brother, Eeinhart McLaud, a most original 
character, destined to figure amusingly in their lives. 
Be it remembered he was the one of vessel renown 
with the queer old maid, who dropped him when no 
money was in sight. 

He had been a sort of wanderer over the face of 
the globe, an honorable, upright man, totally differ- 
ent from his brother, seeing and enjoying life in the 
most original ways. Now, after some years of ab- 
sence from New York, he was anxious to see how the 
world had been treating his brother; therefore, he 
had given them a veritable surprise, and the first 
evening of his arrival, as they were seated around 
the dinner table, he said, ‘H say, one of your cele- 
brated opera singers is creating an immense furore 


143 


BENVENUTA 


in London ; everyone is flocking to see her — 
Mademoiselle Camille. By jove ! but she’s a corker, 
with such a voice as can scarcely be dreamed of. I 
heard her every night while there, and amongst her 
entourage was a man I seem to have seen before, but 
could not place. ’ ’ 

Bradley had been striving to change the subject 
without effect, and glancing at his wife saw intense 
pallor overspread her face, whereupon he said, ^^Are 
you ill, my dear?” and was surprised to have her 
reply, ^‘Indeed, no,” and then proceed to ask ques- 
tions in the calmest and most indifferent way, which 
rather comforted him with the thought that she had 
become perfectly indifferent. 

Reinhart described the woman, her grand cos- 
tumes and wonderful jewels ; her train of followers, 
many of them from amongst the nobility, ‘‘and you 
know they are often a reckless, drinking, gambling 
set, and I suppose shower her with costly gifts. No 
wonder, for she is startlingly beautiful, as well as 
being a wonderful singer.” 

Bradley said, “Why, Reinhart, I think it was 
time for you to come over here and let us look after 
you. But, my man ! what do mother and sister think 
of this rather sudden change in you?” 

“Why, nothing, but that I am cutting my eye- 
teeth, so long coming through; and they know that 
after all, I am a harmless fellow and will do nothing 
to smirch the family name. When a fellow has 
reached my time of life, some indulgence should be 
accorded him.” 

Before he departed they were in roars of laughter 
over his experiences, not the least a detailed account 


144 


BENVENUTA 


of his fun with the ship ’s old maid ; and his brother 
was rather startled at the change effected in him 
during the past two years, and talked long about it. 
When he left Bradley entered into a thoughtful 
mood, and even after sleep had striven to quiet him, 
he was revolving in his mind the pros and cons of 
the case and asking himself why Reinhart had de- 
clined their wish to have him remain with them. 
Perchance, a love of entire freedom, unaffected by 
the least restraint, was accountable for it. 

Time rolled on and nothing of marked note trans- 
pired, but Bradley feared the growth of idiosyn- 
crasies in his brother might get him into trouble. 
Be it remembered, he was his senior by many years, 
and, of course, a certain respect restrained him. 
Before long this greatly esteemed man was startling 
them by rather rash procedures, which were at first 
called eccentricities, but finally watched with amaze- 
ment, admitting of no comprehension. 

He once spoke of a woman whom he admired and 
had seen on the street, as being possessed of ^‘burn- 
ing eyes that blazed through her lace veil, ^ ’ and then 
he said he agreed with Balzac that ‘^a woman in 
squalid poverty would exercise no fascination over 
him, were she as attractive as the Helen. 

This remark was suggested by Bradley ^s inquir- 
ing after an old friend in Scotland, who at one time 
was thought to be a sw^eetheart of his. said 

he, ‘^Hester and I understand each other perfectly; 
sentiment is out of the question, for the older I grow, 
the more necessary I deem it for happiness that the 
wolf should be kept from the door. I have sufficient 


145 


BENVENUTA 


for myself, but not for a family, and matrimony 
without children is incomplete/^ 

He was an unusually handsome man, with auburn 
hair streaked with grey and white ; of erect carriage, 
tall and active. Nothing that he did would surprise 
me, even to enlisting the deep fascinations of one of 
the ‘^Four Hundred;’’ therefore, let us bide our. time 
and observe everything that comes our way. 

Although there had been talk of going abroad, 
with that disturbing element on the other side the 
idea was abandoned for the time being, and Ben- 
venuta thought most favorably of. The house was 
constructed in a style which might convey the idea 
of having been built at separate times ; but not so ; 
indeed, the thought was that the entire house might 
be deemed at some time overlarge, and a portion 
closed off. Now it was just the most pleasing idea 
with them when they thought of going out. The 
more they dwelt upon it the more pleased they be- 
came, and ere long, in response to repeated invita- 
tions from Mr. Treville, and urgent pressing ones 
from the aunt, who found him failing, they betook 
themselves from New York, arriving in time to pass 
the last few weeks of his life with him, adding in 
every way to his comfort and peace of mind. 

It was the old gentleman’s wish to talk business 
with Bradley, who felt it would be wiser for him 
to know nothing, but observing his distress, he 
yielded, resolved to make no suggestions whatso- 
ever; and it so happened that there was not the 
slightest ground upon which to offer ideas of his 
own ; and Bradley was flattered by his father-in-law 
having left him the absolute use of Benvenuta until 


146 


BENVENUTA 


his grandchild should be of age, provided he kept it 
in order ; and then the spot upon which the outhouse 
stood, with the mansion, should become the property 
of the idolized son of his daughter, to whom the 
place had been hallowed by so many associations. 

With his son-in-law and wife, as well as the grand- 
child, the aunt, and the two grandsons about his bed- 
side, he drew one sweet, quiet long breath and passed 
3- way, just as day was dawning, and the lark^s soft 
notes were filling the air. The doctor had felt that 
the end was still far off and had withdrawn, know- 
ing that if needed, his son-in-law and wife could do 
all that would be required, and when the hell from 
the village church rang forth in sorrowful tidings, 
many an eye was filled with tears and hearts rent 
with sorrow ; for he had always been a kind and sym- 
pathizing friend, gladdening many hearts as had his 
wife and daughter, by deeds of generosity in hours 
of adversity. 

The old gentleman was laid to rest alongside of 
his daughter and next to his wife, and when Bradley 
left the spot, after everyone had departed, he felt 
that his manly feelings had again been tried as by 
fire, and instead of wearing a crown of glory, his 
might be almost considered as one of thorns. It 
was their dear aunt who assumed all the painful task 
of removing sorrowful phases before the family re- 
turned to Benvenuta, and when the will was read, all 
possibility of want or lack of comfort was barred 
from her during the remainder of her lifetime. 
From the fullness of heart she said, “May I never 
be parted from my parentless boys.’’ 


147 


BENVENUTA 


In a few days, Bradley, his family and his ser- 
vants went to Benvenuta to remain as long as pos- 
sible, for life there seemed to be more natural than 
in the city, especially now during the time of 
mourning. 


148 


CHAPTER XXI 


R einhart was clever, but not practical, and 
on the order of Captain Sellers, wanting to em- 
bark in all sorts of new schemes, which gave 
Bradley additional anxiety. One of his wildcat vent- 
ures was designed to open a new chapter in his life, 
which all hoped would tone him down and make him 
more like himself of old. His deep interest in all 
aeroplane matters caused him to spend much of his 
time on the aviation field, and no doubt he would be 
induced to invest money in one way or another, and 
most likely lose it. Indeed, if he did not make some 
madcap ascent they would be more than pleased. 

Time went on, they seeing but little of him, when 
one day he was quite seriously hurt by a fall in an 
ascent, and his family being notified, almost rejoiced, 
when his. injuries were not pronounced of a serious 
nature, requiring time for an ample rest when his 
idiosyncrasies might be brought under control, by 
serious reflection. 

Henry IV said, ^‘Men have much and various 
knowledge, but no one is thoroughly acquainted with 
himself, ’ ^ and it would seem that this is true, in many 
instances. 

Reinhart’s stay in the hospital brought him in 
contact with one destined to figure amusingly in his 
life at a later day. When it was deemed prudent he 
went to Benvenuta to recuperate, and while there let- 
ters came to him of a most seductive nature. They 
fired the chord of mischief within him, and while he 
was gaining strength he resolved to see what the out- 
come would be to a strange procedure — one where 
love’s wild fancies had been led astray. 


149 


BENVENUTA 


One evening as he sat alone, rather planning to 
have some fun out of letters just received, he said to 
himself, wonder if I can distinguish facts plainly 
in the twilight of danger, and if it would not he wiser 
for me to shun the fire ? After all, it is the will which 
gives man the power to accomplish what he wishes, 
and his judgment should steer him against danger?’^ 
Therefore, his venturesome propensities gained as- 
cendency over him. 

For the present he enjoyed Dorothy’s tender care ; 
rather appreciated the wisdom of Bradley’s sugges- 
tion ; was moved by the affection of the children, and 
more than once caught himself wishing that he had 
been more farseeing in his earlier life, which would 
have made him less heedless, and now at the head of 
such a home as his brother’s. 

But, like the little boy, he said, ^‘Why cry over 
spilled milk?” and then contemplated how to go 
about the risky fun he was promising himself, and a 
reply to the last gushing note, and as address given 
for himself, was his first leap in the dark. Now a 
regular correspondence began, with such effusions 
of love poured forth as almost to stagger him. 
There are situations where one cheapens things by 
the wish to put them into words, besides which Eein- 
hart was of too prosaic a nature to be capable of 
writing strong love sentiments ; but what could one 
do after the receipt of such an overflow of tender- 
ness as the following: 

“You, the dearest of men; was ever the like of you created 
before? And why is it that I have not been able to touch the well- 
springs of your heart? 

“With such tender, far-reaching eyes as yours, a voice so soft 
and musical, that in my dreams angels flit about me; and your 


150 


B E N VE N UT A 


dear face is seen through an aureole resplendent with beauty, and 
I cannot think through what means I am to win the only star, 
that will prove the guiding one of my life. 

“I feel convinced you never have realized how fully you are 
all in all to me, or you would have quenched the thirsting of my 
soul ere this; and now I shall await impatiently your reply, while 
assuring you of my undying fidelity. 

“AURELIA.” 

Reinhart received this a few days after his return 
to the hotel. The weather was dark and lugubrious, 
the dampness suggesting that home was the best 
place for him until the clouds dispersed and the sun 
shone forth in full glory again. Seated before a 
cheerful fire he read and re-read the letter, saying 
first, ‘ ‘ What nonsense, ’ ’ and then ^ ‘ She ^s got it had, ^ ’ 
but all the same being flattered, as the advancing 
years of one are prone to make them. He held onto 
it and smiled as though somewhat pleased, but pride 
lest he he laughed at forbade his showing it to even 
his best friends, and long contemplation brought 
forth the dryest possible response, destined to be as 
much enjoyed by her as hers was by him. There 
was a cessation in her writing most regularly and 
finally he asked if he might not call upon her, but 
the reply was ‘‘Not yet, mother frowns upon any- 
thing that looks at all matrimonial.^’ 

Reinhart’s vanity was fanned by the breezes of 
love; he became more painstaking than ever in his 
attire, and was expecting to meet the woman some- 
time whose brilliancy shone forth more forcibly each 
day ; but as only poets ’ love letters are worthy of ap- 
pearing before the eyes of the public we permit him 
to enjoy them alone. 

While this lasted Reinhart’s best friend, the per- 
petrator of the joke, watched the increase of his 


151 


BENVENUTA 


vanity and entire self-satisfaction with great amuse- 
ment, often striving to ascertain the cause of the 
change, as well as the lack of inclination to be out 
amongst men, as in da^^s of old. But his only reply 
was, “I believe I have learned wisdom at last, and 
have sufficient diversion of a more rational nature. ’ ’ 

When the curtain was down his friends enjoyed 
the joke hugely, but realized it must end sometimes, 
and what would be the consequence with this man of 
genuine nature, — though when once aroused fury of 
a demon? How should he be able to appease his 
wrath ? Might it not be well to take his brother into 
his confidence? But no, for then it would be a case 
of encountering two Samsons instead of one. They 
drifted along with a continuation of soft missives 
being sent, as well as the hope that his best friend 
would be taken into his confidence, and thereby a 
loophole for escape offered. 

What would life be vdthout hope, so it was that 
one evening, the feeling of wishing to share his sin- 
gular happiness with his friend caused him to invite 
him to his room and after a quiet chat ask him what 
he would do with a woman so infatuated as the ac- 
companying letter proved her to be. Whereupon, 
he produced first one and then the other, with suit- 
able comments, and placed them in the hands of the 
originator, who being convulsed with laughter was 
glad to be able to find some excuse when saying, ^ ‘ My 
dear Eeinhart, I think she^s cracked, and if I were 
you I should wash my hands of her and call the 
whole thing to a halt.’’ 

This he would not do without first seeing her, and 
the matter terminated in his friends making a clean 


152 


BENVENUTA 


breast of it and causing such veritable stupefaction 
that for a while he was non-plussed and did not 
know whether to be indignant or amused. His si- 
lence gave the friend time to explain that it was only 
a joke and no offense intended. At this the Scotch- 
man said, ^Ht is but true that you Americans are 
queer fellows. In my country I should kick the per- 
petrator of such a one-sided joke down the stairs, 
and I believe after all the customs of one’s native 
land are by far the best. To be honest with you had 
I not been called home and on the eve of departure, 
I do not think I should be so indulgent, but my heart 
is full of anxiety over the possibility of the occur- 
rences since my departure, and the forgiving side 
of my nature presents itself. However, he laughs 
best who laughs last. Perchance you will visit my 
country sometime, old fellow, and then beware ; take 
care.” 

Bradley had learned of the death of his mother, 
but with so long a trip before him and his not being 
entirely well, he abstained from telling his brother, 
only instructed the Captain to do so before they 
landed. His friend saw him off on the vessel and 
concluded he was a jolly, good fellow, as well as a 
most forgiving one. 

When the ship sailed away Bradley told him of 
the sad news awaiting him on landing, and he, in re- 
turn, said when he felt he could enjoy a joke to call 
upon him and he would give it to him. Thus he left 
him with the heaviest hearts to go where he always 
got solace, namely, to the dearest of wives, who met 
him with their lovely children, whose caresses ef- 


153 


BENVENUTA 


faced much of the sting of true dejection. What is 
so soothing as the merry laughter of children? 

When all was quiet, for English children retire 
early, and the sweet stillness of twilight yet hov- 
ered over them, they sat holding each other ^s hands 
talking of the faraway home of his childhood, as 
well as manhood, with the dear ones connected with 
it, and recalling to mind what home had meant to 
him. Dorothy saw tears in his eyes, nor was he 
ashamed to let them course down his cheeks, and be 
kissed away by a woman whose noble soul would 
ever prompt her to be his guiding star. 

Absence from home was prohibited him by busi- 
ness as well as domestic demands, so that letters 
alone must serve as messengers of love and sym- 
pathy. 

As they bade each other good night, and sought 
resignation by gazing upon the stars, heaven’s beau- 
tiful illuminators, he said, ‘ ‘ Dear, the angel of Death 
has not spared me, but God Grant I may never have 
to relinquish you to it. ’ ’ 

It was many a long day before Reinhart’s friend 
related the amusing occurrences of those exalted 
days of his happiness, and when he did Bradley said, 
the one blessing in the whole atfair was that it pre- 
vented another rash step, and diverted his mind as, 
perchance, nothing else would have done, and that 
he was grateful as he knew his brother would be, 
when the stage of sound judgment dawned upon 
him. 


154 


CHAPTER XXII 


T hey all returned to Benvennta through the 
first beautiful snowstorms, enjoying lovely 
scenery, the warm crackling hickory logs that 
two men had trouble in carrying to the andirons in 
their living room, and when the chimney was well 
filled with blazing logs, the family would sit about 
it with only the firelight, and Mama and Auntie 
would tell them Kris Kringle tales until their little 
eyes would sparkle with delight, and when they had 
spent a few moments bidding Daddy good night, 
they would slip off to bed, delighted with the thought 
that the angels were still making their feather beds 
(for snow was still falling) ; to dream of what Christ- 
mas would be and to regret that they must go back 
to New York. 

It was deemed wiser not to attempt to remain in 
such intense cold, so that before long the peace and 
quiet of the country was abandoned for the noise 
and clatter of the city, for Bradley’s homecomings 
had been fraught with pure hardships, as sometimes 
he would return well sprinkled with snow, scattered 
over his garments, and fragments of ice hanging 
from his clothes. His life was one of confinement 
and often he would send the machine home that he 
might have a long bracing walk, which he realized 
was beneficial to him. 

Once domiciled in New York, the delight of the 
little ones was to make their Cousin J ames, when he 
returned from school, tell them all about what was 
going on in Benvennta and count the days until they 
should return there. 

Arthur, the older cousin, was at a far-away 


165 


BENVENUTA 


school, coming home only at certain holidays, but 
Auntie never forgot to send sunshine into his life 
when she could, for he was one of her parentless 
boys. 

Bradley’s boy grew more and more like his 
beautiful mother, and little Annita like hers, with 
that sweet gentle look of resignation which made 
her beloved by all, and caused her father to wish as 
she grew older there might be more joy beaming from 
her sweet violet eyes, and less evidence of the sad 
past life of her poor mother. Life is really a lake 
for memories, a mirror in which everything is re- 
flected, and yet for the sake of the living we must 
seek to be cheerful and happy ; not wearing our sor- 
rows where claws can peck at them. The heart does 
not exist that has not its own sorrows, but fortitude 
often teaches one to smile through their tears, and 
to bring to the front the comforts of religion, with 
its edifying effects. 


156 


CHAPTER XXIII 


B RADLEY mother death had been wholly 
unexpected (although she had never been the 
same from the hour of her husband’s demise), 
and the stroke of paralysis which took her oft had 
been a great shock to her daughter and friends, the 
former taking long to rally from it. Mrs. McLaud 
was a very handsome, distinguished looking lady, 
with the sweetest and most refined nature, as well as 
possessed of her own share of fortitude and strength 
of character. Her remains were put away in the 
family vault awaiting the arrival of her son, whose 
homecoming was so sad that it revolutionized his 
entire nature, bringing out the most desirable fea- 
tures, and bidding fair to make him fully equal to the 
responsibilities imposed upon him, in the care of an 
estate surpassing in wealth their highest expecta- 
tions. 

After his arrival solemn services were performed 
at their family vault, in the most touching style. As 
all stood about the door of this beautiful structure 
built upon the brow of a hill, prayers were said by 
the minister, responded to by the assembled friends, 
and the sweetest anthems filled the air, amongst 
them some of her own particular liking, and when 
quiet was restored, and the friends had departed, 
birds hopped from branch to branch on the lovely 
bushes planted under her own supervision, and cared 
for by her dainty fingers, when she visited the spot 
which hid away so many of her loved ones. Their 
soft chirpings seemed to be an offering of peace and 
resignation to the dejected hearts left to confront 
the trials of life. 


157 


BENVENUTA 


The sun was setting in all of its glory behind that 
beautiful sod-covered hill, forever more to be the 
casket of the remains of their loved ones, and in 
time to come to shelter them, when they left and re- 
turned to a home, which until she was called away, 
was the dearest spot on earth; now the one over 
which a pall of dejection was shed. 

Womanly fortitude soon caused his sister to aid 
him in adjusting family matters and following to 
the letter the wishes of the departed one. When the 
will was read it was found that the father ^s wishes, 
expressed many years before his death to his wife, 
were that a certain box in the safe deposit should 
not be opened until after the death of his wife. 

It required tools to open it, done in the presence 
of the children and executors, disclosing to them 
documents of surprisingly great value. They had 
always lived in affluence, denied nothing, and were 
classed amongst the most favored, but now amaze- 
ment would poorly describe their position. Mes- 
sages of the most urgent nature were sent to Brad- 
ley and he finally responded personally to the call. 
Stocks and bonds of untold value came to light, as 
well as papers showing large property interests in 
the Highlands, taxes which had been prepaid for 
many years, and all sat about this prodigious dis- 
closure, almost aghast with astonishment. 

Not long after their right to the Highland prop- 
erty was disputed, taking the interests into court 
and disclosing the fact that the opponent was of 
periodic unsound mind, and while claiming relation- 
ship with the McLauds, it could never be traced, but 
as is ever the case, a lawyer of no repute, with noth- 


158 


BENVENUTA 


ing to lose, but much to gain, was handling the case. 

Amongst other interests there was a home in the 
Highlands, long since so covered with mosses and 
vines as to hide it from view, and surveyors were 
employed to unearth it, bringing to light a stone 
building of thirty apartments, and once a tower, 
which exposure to the elements most likely had 
caused disintegration to set in, and finally crumbling 
away fell upon a part of the walls, leaving a wreck 
of them. It had been a stately mansion with per- 
haps generations of stories back of it. What to do 
with this was a question of importance and while 
it remained unanswered they came across a sealed 
envelope, addressed to ^‘My children of heirs.’’ 

Its enclosure told the tale of the once-called cas- 
tle that had once belonged to Eeinhart, Bradley and 
Mary’s great-grandfather, a veritable libertine, who 
had only had two sons and when they obtained man- 
hood left home in disgust, with sufficient means to 
give them a start in life, but not until their mother, 
a woman of high rank and standing, had passed away 
of a broken heart. The owner led a life of entire 
abandon, having no sense of the proprieties of life, 
bringing hither the most dissolute characters, and 
spending days and weeks of rollicking and de- 
bauchery. 

After this life had long continued, queer noises 
were heard through the house, squeaking of doors, 
loud knockings, footsteps, rattling of chains, etc., 
even extinguishing of lights, and everyone fied from 
the castle, no money would have induced the do- 
mestics to remain, nor did the once welcome visitors 
continue in search of pastime. Indeed, tenants fied 


159 


BENVENUTA 


far and wide, with the saying that the house was 
haunted, and ofttimes brightly illuminated. One 
went so far as to say that her mistress^ face some- 
times appeared at the window of her room, with 
angels^ heads about it, and would pass away accom- 
panied by a sigh heard at a great distance. 

The owner managed to retain one half-witted man, 
to whom he made such alluring promises that fright 
was kept under control. There was a cave beneath 
this house, where treasures were buried, and fre- 
quent nocturnal visits were made to it. Upon one 
of them, a large piece of mortar fell upon the im- 
becile, causing such fright that he died shortly after, 
and then McLaud was left alone. He had been a 
man of learning, and this life was beyond further en- 
durance, so locking and barring all means of ingress 
and egress he departed, sending news to his sons to 
the etfect that treasures lay hidden within, which 
he should never come forward to claim, but that the 
house was haunted, as was indeed his soul. This 
was the last news ever received from their grand- 
father, but the father had been a prosperous man 
and kept the history of his father’s life a secret of 
which he was truly ashamed. Eeinhart and Bradley 
continued to regard it as a sacred trust and for the 
present would make no effort to dive into the secrets 
of the dead. 

All claims of the imposter were soon thrown out 
of court and this disturbing element quieted. 

For the present Bradley had done all that could 
be required, so he hastened home, having most anx- 
ious feelings about his wife, whom he left ailing. 
The vessel landed at such an hour that there was a 


160 


BENVENUTA 


likelihood of its not going into port until the follow- 
ing morning. This suspense was more than Brad- 
ley felt he could endure, so that a conference was 
held with the Captain, and a statement that at any 
cost he must land that night, brought to his rescue 
a pilot boat, which enabled him to reach home and 
he with his wife during the most trying hours of any 
woman’s life. At sight of him her courage revived, 
and the doctors felt that his appearance had saved 
her from death, and given to them another little 
daughter who would hear her dear mother’s name, 
while preventing lifelong self-reproaches with him. 

Nothing makes one so radiantly beautiful as true 
happiness, and this was what Dorothy was now ex- 
periencing, causing her husband to invoke a prayer 
of thanks while he gazed with supreme delight upon 
his wife and life’s partner. Their child was a dear, 
and already it was whispered she would be just like 
her Daddy, the wish of Dorothy’s heart. So far lit- 
tle Bradley and Annita, confined to the top floor, had 
not been seen, but when they were, radiance shone 
from each face, though not yet could they see little 
sister. 

When Dorothy’s condition permitted, all of her 
husband’s experiences were related, and the fear in- 
dulged in that they would have to go to Scotland and 
be in his old home while matters were being straight- 
ened out. ‘‘For never again, dear love, must we he 
parted.” What more blissful statement could he 
made to a fond and loving wife? 

Business claimed all of the attention he could 
spare from his wife for sometime. Papers had gone 
far and wide, rumoring the news about his inherit- 


161 


BENVENUTA 


ance, and his partner congratulated him most sin- 
cerely, for they were as well the best of friends and 
the most congenial business men. Letters from 
abroad were not only laden with grief, for the loss 
of a mother is irreparable, but also with great sur- 
prises, caused by the manner in which their father 
had conducted all money matters. The belief was 
that he wanted to protect his children against them- 
selves, that they might never come to want. 

In Scotland, around the time-honored chimney, 
plans were discussed, as well as in New York, — ^with 
sweet children's voices crying out in mirth; for the 
wisest means of unearthing the mystery of their an- 
cestors, and it would require a full concourse of all 
interested parties before a plan of action could be 
determined upon. Time must be allowed for the 
happy little mother to grow strong enough for such 
an upheaval of home interests as would be required 
for an indefinite stay abroad, and as she felt there 
were anxious hearts on the other side, she was care- 
ful, prudent and ever watchful over herself. 

But the ways of Providence are inscrutable, and 
before Dorothy was sufficiently herself to cross 
the ocean, a sojourn to Atlantic City was necessary 
that she might be fortified by the sea air ; in fact a 
loss of the pleasure of nursing her own child was 
threatened her. But Bradley took her and little sis- 
ter with a faithful nurse, and located them where all 
the benefits of the sea air and baths could be had, 
and under the most skilled care, she was allowed to 
leave America and go where urgent matters called 
her husband earlier than had been anticipated, and 


162 


BENVENUTA 


that without abandoning one of the greatest joys of 
a mother and pride of a father. 

When the season came around, Auntie and the 
boys, Arthur and James, were to go to Benvenuta, 
where all rural pleasures could be partaken of, and 
if good luck followed them they might be joined be- 
fore the season ended. A family of four grown per- 
sons and three children is no small undertaking to 
travel with, but intelligent and well-trained children 
facilitated matters, and Scotland was reached in good 
time, and all were in fine shape. 

Bradley’s sister was overjoyed by having all, and 
Eeinhart proved himself to be a love of a man, with 
all peculiarities entirely mastered, and judgment 
ripened to the fullest extent, which enabled them to 
commence forthwith unearthing the mystery that no 
man would ever account for, save on the ground of 
insanity; which however was not the case for their 
ancestor had been traced to a monastery of one of the 
most austere orders, where through his writings upon 
theological subjects he had proven himself a man of 
brains, and continued repentance for his life’s sin and 
shame, brought him in time to a very saintly death. 

An extended trip was planned by the two broth- 
ers, for they had determined to have any excavating 
deemed necessary done, and when they parted with 
the dear ones, all manner of instructions were given 
for their comfort and care, should anything occur. 

It was a beautiful old home, with few pretenses of 
modern improvements but every comfort available, 
and all evidences of refinement and good breeding, 
tracing back to time immemorial. Their sister, 
Mary, a name as sweet as herself, strove from the be- 


163 


BENVENUTA 


ginning to keep happy recollections of her mother 
ever present to their minds, and talked much of her 
to little Bradley and Annita. The little ones were 
full of questions and did not tire of hearing about 
their grandmother in heaven. Dorothy and Baby 
Dorothy flourished in that healthful climate, making 
themselves beloved by Mary, who could not bear to 
think of the day when they should be parted. 


164 


CHAPTER XXIV 


T he brothers reached the old castle, for such it 
really was, and passages were found almost 
equalling the catacombs; but, lo! now they 
seemed to strike a spring, and above it were inscribed 
letters, which with difficulty, the work of many days, 
were deciphered as penning the Latin words, ‘ ‘ Cave 
Cave,^^ meaning, ^‘beware! take care/^ 

Now they came to that halt which prudence sug- 
gested, for soon it was found that water was there 
of some depth, and at the bottom of this they dis- 
covered the iron chest, so heavy that even when the 
earth about it was loosened up it required ten men 
to handle it. How this was ever to be raised to trans- 
port above ground was an important question ; even 
were it opened there its contents might not facilitate 
matters, so that dragging by means of chains was 
resorted to, until an opening of some size was 
reached; and then came the tug of war: A pulley 
and a chain was the only idea that presented itself 
as practicable, for what other means could be found 
for rescuing that which promised so gloriously, and 
yet might be a mere phantom — we could say. 

At the approach of night the house was closed as 
well as might be, and all departed, for carrying the 
chest away, or likewise opening it, would be a Her- 
culean task. And still, there was an evil-eyed man 
amongst them, the thought of whom compelled the 
brothers to return after being assured by a person 
who seemed to be an honest man, that he would bring 
them food and raiment, as well as light, from the 
nearest village. 

The dampness of the place made it cold, the 

165 


BENVENUTA 


darkness uncanny. Both men were secretly armed, 
for they knew not what their experiences would be, 
and waiting patiently the rich reward promised 
brought its fruit, and the faithful man not only re- 
turned with what was secured, but stayed and kept 
them company during the long hours of the night, 
when he entertained them with the ghost stories 
about the place handed down to posterity, always 
adding, ‘‘But I did not believe them,’^ presumably 
fearing to otfend them. And still any rattling about 
the house, yea, even more, rustling of the leaves 
would cause him to start and look about him — so 
much a long communion tends to make us what 
we are. 

Morning came and the dawning of day over these 
beautiful ruins was picturesque, causing the man 
to say, “Why not let the house continue a mass, 
vine covered in ruin ; with its natural crumbling and 
decay it would be one of history’s long-to-be-remem- 
bered ruins, perpetuating the name of the McLaud 
clan? 

By night, with ceaseless work, the chest had been 
hauled to the railroad, the assisting men well paid, 
and under express guard it remained until further 
examinations of the castle should take place. 

Time had caused the contents of the house, for 
the most part, to fall to pieces and crumble away, 
leaving ashes over which one might have wept, for 
there were garments which could they have spoken, 
the shreds of them might have told tales. Pieces of 
metal — whether silver, copper or brass, was not to 
be known — still stood in some cases and were gath- 


166 


BENVENUTA 


ered together and taken away to be tested as worthy 
or not of preservation. 

After the honse had been thoroughly gone over, 
and anything of sufficient consistency found was car- 
ried otf, the place was abandoned for the havoc of 
time to do its work; and the children of many gen- 
erations to gaze upon and tell every imaginable 
tale of the haunted house. 

There was a fortune in these rich lands for their 
descendants, and as far as the eye could reach the 
scenery was so beautiful that one could not marvel 
at its selection for a place of abode. 

The trip had been a very hard one, but when the 
chest and other belongings had been placed in the 
hands of the express company for safe delivery at 
their home, it would seem their work was at an end. 
Seated at the depot awaiting the train, who should 
loom up before them but the evil-eyed man, with 
whom Bradley conversed, giving Eeinhart a chance 
to study him, and learning that his life was a hard 
one, ill luck pursuing him, they were generous, but 
to find that notwithstanding, Brother Eeinhart ^s 
pocket had been picked and no small amount 
secured. 

Once upon the train the queer fellow was dis- 
cussed, Bradley saying he would not trust him out 
of sight ; Eeinhart that he was only a poor unfortu- 
nate, etc., but reaching over his head in the car for 
something, Bradley discovered his brother’s trouser 
pockets slit far down, and upon investigation his 
purse and some loose paper money had disappeared. 

''There,” said Bradley, "is your poor unfortu- 
nate; a sneak of the very first water; an evil eye 


167 


BENVENUTA 


always prejudices me, and on no account will I have 
dealings with any but honest-eyed people.^’ 

His brother was amused, while admitting that 
his own judgment was at fault; but there were no 
lamentations over the loss, presumably appreciating 
that from their valuable coffers they could well stand 
the loss without murmuring against fate. 

A violent storm overtook them en route home, 
causing much damage to property of all kinds, not 
the least to the trees, which cannot he replaced by 
those of any great size. The tracks were submerged 
for miles and trees blown across them, as well as 
wires down and greatly tangled. This prevented 
communication with their family, who naturally were 
all wrought up and immensely disturbed. Fortu- 
nately, the loss of life was small and, of course, for 
this all were most grateful. 

You can readily fancy the warm welcome which 
awaited them upon their reaching home and the very 
lengthy conversations which ensued. It really took 
days to relate their experiences, and now came the 
anxious time awaiting such things as had been 
shipped; most important of all the chest, the con- 
tents of which were still as a sealed book to them. 

While putting in the ensuing time, there was 
much business to be handled, papers to be gone over, 
and a decision come to about the old home, which 
was too spacious for only two to occupy, and yet 
there was that old Scotch feeling of tenacity about 
it (so unlike America) which made them shrink from 
disposing of it, and if closed, it would go to rack and 
ruin. So the thing determined upon was to procure 
a suitable tenant and lease it until such time as the 


168 


BENVENUTA 


brother and sister would care to occupy it again. 
Meanwhile, plans as to their place of locating might 
be determined upon, but the old home must never 
pass out of their possession. 

Dorothy was given an opportunity of becoming 
familiar with her husband ^s home country, and while 
so doing she learned to love it, and the good, staunch 
people whom she met. 

The children thrived and became immensely 
sturdy, which was most pleasing to their parents, as 
is always the case, for fine physical condition adds 
greatly to personal charm and attraction. 

At the expiration of a week the express wagon 
came, driving very slowly, for they were seldom 
called upon to handle such weighty matter, and bring- 
ing along three men beside the driver. The ques- 
tion as to what disposition should be made of the 
chest upon its receipt had been a momentous one, as 
it could not be handled in the house, and therefore 
a part of the barn was made in readiness for its re- 
ception ; even a couch for the one to be put on guard 
placed therein; all ingress and egress were made 
perfectly secure, and now upon its receipt there was 
no flurry ; indeed a case of bricks could not have been 
handled more nonchalantly. It was about twilight 
when the wagon had been unloaded, the men well 
paid for their weighty handling, and went otf greatly 
pleased. 

The late hour made them abstain from all efforts 
at opening the ponderous thing then, but the articles 
in metal were many of them pronounced solid sil- 
ver, and of such grandeur as to make their owners 
swell with pride upon beholding them in better shape. 


169 


BENVENUTA 


The evening was largely spent in determining 
how to go about having the chest opened; the vote 
was in favor of the blacksmith and he arrived at an 
early hour with all the necessary implements. It 
was not a^matter of rapid process, indeed many hours 
were required before the lid gave way. Lock and 
bolts were so rusted as to make opening through that 
channel entirely impossible and when the master 
blacksmith had accomplished his work he looked up, 
with beads of perspiration standing out upon his 
brow, and gave a gratified smile of triumph. His 
work was generously rewarded and he went his way 
leaving the family of four to dive into the chest of 
mysteries, more than four generations old. 

Seated before it, many thicknesses of old, musty 
paper were removed, and then came packages all of 
which were laid out in order, intending to open none 
until the chest was emptied. But lo! a sealed en- 
velope of parchment came to light, and it gave in- 
structions which were followed to the letter. This 
was evidence that it contained a mine of wealth, com- 
parable to Oolconda, perchance. Each package or 
box was numbered and the further down they got the 
more surprised they were. Such had been their as- 
tonishment that they marveled at the chest not hav- 
ing a false bottom. 

The grandfather of the McLauds had been a man 
of whom little or nothing was known, beyond that he 
was insupportably eccentric, and shunned by all peo- 
ple at large. Much of his wealth was presumably 
handed down, but again much of it was acquired in 
a merciless way, and upon his death, his son, the 
one who last occupied the castle, before leaving it 


170 


BENVENUTA 


had buried the chest about which we have just been 
reading. 

There were rare jewels, diamonds, pearls, rubies, 
sapphires, emeralds, etc., etc., to begin with and 
costly other jewels of rare design; some silverware 
with the family coat of arms, amongst that even gold 
pieces, which added greatly to the weight, and caused 
them to sit about nonplussed and wondering why it 
was that these things should have been kept a secret 
from that dearest of mothers and noblest of women, 
who would have had the greatest sympathy and pity 
for the libertine who ultimately died so saintly a 
death. 

The document accompanying these articles found 
in the chest, letter form, addressed simply to his 
heirs or those into whose hands the chest might 
chance to fall, if not in a legitimate way, was of a 
positive nature that divulged no family secrets, and 
finished by saying his was to be a life of atonement, 
and prayers that none of his blood should follow in 
his footsteps. 

The more closely the treasures were examined 
the more beautiful they were found, but secrecy must 
be maintained about them as far as possible, so that 
when any questions were asked of the chest, it was 
spoken of as one of the freaks of their ancestor, 
causing much trouble with but little compensation. 

It was a case of having so much wealth and 
worldly belongings that peace of mind was denied 
them. Before all matters had been settled they had 
been over three months absent from home, and a sort 
of homesick feeling for beautiful Benvenuta, that 
they all loved so well, took possession of them, and 


171 


BENVENUTA 


when the time for departure was determined upon 
even Bradley, with whom home could never be the 
same without his beloved mother, was secretly glad 
to be otf, though would welcome his brother and sis- 
ter in America. It was a sad parting indeed, as 
everything had been done for their comfort, but such 
trials come to us all, and courage is a trait in our 
characters which should not be neglected, for who 
can tell when it may be required. 


172 


CHAPTER XXV 


T hey reached New York after a most unevent- 
ful voyage upon an uninterestingly crowded 
vessel, and reaching the city lost no time in di- 
recting their steps to Benvenuta, where their hearts 
went out in rapturous delight in fact, once in sight 
of the Hudson Eiver, they were more than beaming. 
How much more so within the enclosure of their own 
grounds. 

That evening a serenade was given them and even 
the children were permitted to be hilarious, begin- 
ning the morrow with the merriest of hearts. 

Auntie, Arthur and James were very happy to 
welcome them home and had all their summer’s expe- 
riences to relate, as against those they could overjoy 
them with. 

Again the season was far advanced before they 
departed for the city; indeed it was only upon the 
doctor’s advice, on account of baby Dorothy, that 
they abandoned the happy country life mapped out 
for themselves — so different from the pretense and 
ostentation lived up to in New York. 

Their share of jewels was brought away with 
them, but when the storehouse of elegance, which had 
been sent to Tiffany to be polished, after their long 
interment, arrived at their city house, curious and 
gratified friends came to enjoy seeing them and offer 
their congratulations over such good luck. It must 
he admitted they added greatly to the elegance of 
their home, though as is always the case, increased 
responsibility. Being heirlooms they naturally must 
be sacredly cared for, as they were only entrust- 
ments. 


173 


BENVENUTA 


One day shortly after they returned to the city, 
who should Bradley meet not far distant from his 
home, but the evil-eyed man, who tried to evade 
his scrutiny — however, unsuccessfully, for Bradley 
walked straight to him and said, ‘‘Why are you 
here ? ^ ’ 

Whereupon he pretended not to know Bradley 
and said he was from Boston. 

Bradley left him but soon thereafter put a detect- 
ive on his trail and notified them at home to be par- 
ticularly careful. 

The man not infrequently crossed Bradley’s 
pathway until he was satisfied that finding of the 
chest had more or less to do with his appearance 
then and there. 

One evening while the family were at dinner the 
maid discovered him in Dorothy’s room and when 
she screamed he sprang from the window, which 
landed him upon a shed in the rear, from whence he 
climbed down, but not until Bradley had shot him in 
the leg, and then going forward identified him as the 
man of the evil eye, who met with justice and was 
long confined in prison, where it was found not to 
have been the first time he was dubbed “the man 
with the evil eye,” as he had led a life of a reprobate 
and was then wanted in Chicago. 

Bradley is now more than ever suspicious of 
everyone with an evil eye — one blinking and wink- 
ing instead of showing a straightforward, clean, un- 
flinching presence. 

News from Scotland was to the effect that mat- 
ters were moving smoothly with them and a desir- 
able party. Lord W , was about to close a 


174 


BENVENUTA 


lengthy lease of their homestead and grounds, upon 
most satisfactory terms. 

Their own plans were not at all formulated ; pos- 
sibly they would spend some time in traveling. This 
latter Bradley highly approved of. Their sister 
was not young, nor was she old, from the English 
standpoint ; most intelligent and accomplished ; quite 
good looking, with distingue carriage and an unusual 
fortune. This is never a drawback, but so far she 
had sacrificed her life to her mother, once refusing 
a very desirable party who subsequently died. Now 
the brothers were in hopes that some man of influ- 
ence should come her way, and thus fill a life so far 
devoted to noble cause. 

Dorothy’s sweetness of nature prompted her to 
suggest her coming to America to be with them. 
Bradley thought it best to let them see the world, his 
sister having lived in rather a narrow sphere, and 
this would broaden her ideas and aid in dispelling 
the cloud of dejection under which she was then ex- 
isting. ‘ ^ He jests at scars who never felt a wound, ’ ’ 
and with her sensitive nature suffering was acute. 
We are told to have joy one must share it — happi- 
ness must be born a twin. As long as her mother 
lived she asked for nothing more, but now it was 
feared if she found no suitable companion she might 
enter some religious order ; for while she loved Rein- 
hart, they were very opposite natures, seeing things 
from totally different standpoints, and it was to be 
feared that they would jar upon each other. 

Bradley said, Experience is the best teacher, so 
let them formulate their own lives without inter- 
ference, and we will watch for the outcome.” 


175 


BENVENUTA 


During the period of mourning they led the most 
quiet, deferential lives, devoting themselves to their 
family, both immediate and otherwise; seeing their 
friends in a quiet way, and Dorothy brightened the 
scene around the cheerful hearthstone with her sweet 
soft voice — always full of pathos, and sometimes 
causing her husband to wonder if all traces of her 
sad past life were wiped from the present one. He 
felt that her noble instincts would prompt her to 
consider him ^^of whom much is given, much is ex- 
pected,’’ and he was sure she would banish any un- 
wholesome thoughts, giving to those about her and 
enjoying God’s blessings. 

The more Bradley thought over matters the more 
thoroughly he was satisfied that he would be obliged 
to pay frequent visits to his old home, for some time 
to come, but never again would he be parted from his 
wife, and with such a helpmate as Auntie — who had 
endeared herself to everyone — Elise, Bradley’s 
nurse; Eliza, Annita’s nurse; and now for little Dor- 
othy, Hermine (what a mixture — French, Irish and 
German!) there seemed no necessity for anxiety. 

He must afford his wife a better opportunity of 
seeing the Land of Lassies and Laddies. A short 
visit to Edinburgh (which is called ‘^Auld Eeekie” 
from its great smokiness), stopping at the Waterloo 
Hotel, which would enable them to enjoy the pictur- 
esqueness of the city, surrounded on three sides by 
high hills, where the finest views may be had. The 
castle is on one side of a rock fully two hundred feet 
high. Edinburgh has no manufacturing indus- 
try. The city is built of stone. In the palace may 
still be found the bed of Mary Queen of Scots, al- 


176 


BENVENUTA 


though in a greatly decayed state. On the Prince 
Street a Gothic Tabernacle erected as a monument 
to Sir Walter Scott may be seen. 

In Scotland she must enjoy finnan haddie — such 
as one does not find in America. 

All who are interested in Scott and Burns must 
at least have some knowledge of Scotland. She 
must see the churches, museums, and the beautiful 
libraries; Melrose, the Abbey of Abbotsford, the Sil- 
ver Tweed — all made sacred and poetical by Scott. 

At least this much she must see upon our next 
trip, before we go to our old home near Glasgow — 
and sweet Inverness — how could I forget that. All 
these plans must be carried out in the months that 
do not deprive us of our loved Benvenuta, hallowed 
to us by sorrow ^s sting, as well as the delights of 
happiness. Every spot along that beautiful, his- 
toric river is alive with interest to me, and shall be 
for mine. 

The Turks say, ‘AVho seeks a friend without a 
fault remains without one, ’ ^ so those who expect per- 
fection in any land must needs be disappointed, but 
the Hudson is to my mind, with all its beautiful 
scenery, magnificent mansions belonging to noted 
people, so fine a body of water that it cannot be sur- 
passed, and Benvenuta may hold her head high, as 
it is a land of dreams. 


177 


CHAPTER XXVI 


L ittle Albert, who was now a fine large boy, 
after his father died presented himself at 
Bradley ^s office one day, asking for a position 
that would help to gain him a livelihood. He was 
so changed that he had to tell Bradley who he was, 
and all of his life for some years past. It had been 
a sad one and his father had told him when his aunt, 
with whom he lived, thought him large enough, to 
go to Mr. McLaud and ask to be placed anywhere to 
help him to become a man. Years of severe illness 
had eaten into his father ^s savings, leaving Albert 
with a mere pittance, but he was such a manly little 
fellow that Bradley was won over to him and re- 
membered how his good resolutions to keep track of 
them had failed him. Now he would be his friend, 
if the boy proved what he thought he would be. 
Therefore, he installed him at once and time proved 
him to be a fine, sturdy, manly boy, destined to climb 
the ladder of success, with which efforts Bradley’s 
manly instincts prompted him to lend an assisting 
hand. 

By the time they were ready to start off on their 
second honeymoon, little Albert, who went regularly 
to night school, was able to send his individual re- 
ports to his employer, which he did with great pride 
and precision, showing that there was no doubt about 
his having the making of a man, and the knowledge 
of how to make friends, for Bradley’s partner, as 
well, was interested in the boy. They landed at Liv- 
erpool, made a flying trip through London, and then 
carried out his plans of letting his wife see some- 


178 


BENVENUTA 


thing of Scotland, beyond the confines of his old 
home, Glasgow. 

After going over what was considered their ex- 
tensive domains, the brothers conceived the idea of 
conferring with lawyers of note and standing to as- 
certain whether their rights to the property had not 
been forfeited by the fact of such a great lapse of 
time, and finding that their fears were not ground- 
less, they resolved to purchase what had belonged to 
their forefathers, and through well-selected tenants, 
establish for themselves a landed revenue. Stocks 
and bonds after such an expiration of time, were 
valueless, but such unheard of good luck had come 
their way, that no feeling of disappointment found 
vent within them, and when the purchasing papers 
had been signed affording that much more wealth 
to the country, their attentions were directed to the 
usually generous, causing them to turn their faces 
homeward with peace and joy of heart. 

They went to Aberdeen in the northeast; to In- 
verness in the northwest. These two places seemed 
to satisfy them all and there they remained until 
time for setting sail for America, where the brother 
and sister accompanied them to the vessel sailing 
for America, and the parting was less sad for the 
tie of true devotion had been cemented, and they 
loved each other as never before. 

The passage home was not altogether smooth, 
but there were no accidents and arrival in New 
York only deferred for one day and night, which 
caused no anxiety for the time of their arrival in 
New York only deferred for one day and night, 


179 


BENVENUTA 


which caused no anxiety for the time of their arrival 
had purposely not been given. 

It was a dear, sweet time that they spent to- 
gether, growing closer than ever to each other. 
Bradley told her that half of all he possessed was to 
be secured to herself and children at once ; that come 
what might they would always be cared for hand- 
somely, while he would strive to increase what he 
retained to operate with. 

They spoke sometimes of dear Annita, when his 
heart would swell with emotion over the fact that 
his first love had been bestowed upon so beautiful 
and grand a woman, for he felt that any of her short- 
comings had been more than paid for by her true 
repentance and devotion to him; for how had she 
not been made to suffer, dear soul. 

Dorothy was generous enough to admit she might 
have been worse but for his guidance, and hand in 
hand, as the moon^s bright light shone upon them, 
they asked her for a long continued watchfulness 
over them, as they left the deck that night, ending a 
never to be forgotten voyage. 

When they reached Benvenuta, true joy pre- 
vailed, for they both loved and knew how to make 
themselves beloved. 

From an account given of a strange man seen 
about Bradley Avas led to believe he was evil-eye, but 
for the present so great was his joy at again being 
with the darling children that he banished all but 
the greatest happiness, and while mama fondled 
baby. Daddy did the other two. All sat about the 
lunch table, a merry party of eight, who made things 
ring with cheerful voices and tales always to be re- 


180 


BENVENUTA 


membered. But no boxes had been opened yet, and 
even the little ones were wondering what was com- 
ing; when stealthy steps were heard on the gravel 
without and Arthur said, There he is, uncle!’’ 

Bradley went forward and met him, greatly to 
his surprise, for he did not know of his return. Ad- 
dressing him he said, ‘‘Evil-eye” (this caused the 
man to shudder), “if you are ever seen about these 
premises, even when I am here or not, your life will 
not be spared. A report from me to the detectives 
will send you back to your home of recent date, so 
be off, and that without my blessing.” Not a word 
came from the sneak. 

Now all repaired to mother’s and daddy’s rooms 
for the lovely gifts brought them. Baby’s came first, 
a musical doll, which charmed her; then Annita’s, a 
doll saying Mama and Papa, while moving her limbs ; 
now Bradley’s, a horse which collapsed, but when 
screwed up was strong enough for him to sit upon; 
then came James’ pretty scarfs and fine handker- 
chiefs, with a gold piece. Arthur was no less fortu- 
nate in possession of a purse with a round sum of 
money, to invest as he chose when he went otf to 
school again. This touched Aunty, for they were 
ever her parentless children. She got no end of 
things they knew would please her, and each servant 
was so handsomely remembered that when they de- 
parted the air rang with voices of true appreciation 
and happiness. 

The time remaining for them to stop at beloved 
Benvenuta was not long, so that every moment of it 
must be joyous and all varieties of amusements in- 
dulged in with the zest of a real jolly country life. 


181 


BENVENUTA 


Some nights, rather early evening, they would sit 
about the cheerful fire, Bradley telling wonderful 
fairy tales ; then mother would sing soft, sweet, ten- 
der little songs, and tender good nights would be 
given, each child ^s nurse taking it away to be seen 
no more until morning, save when mother, upon tip- 
toe, would gaze fondly upon them. 

Aunty was kind and gentle, so that she was re- 
spected, and there were no unpleasant reports to 
hand in, and life had been smooth and tranquil. 

Soon James began attending school and he would 
accompany his uncle to town. Arthur had already 
gone, and his small fortune had made him the envy 
of the other boys. 

The sight of snow fills all hearts with delight; in 
this case it was not longed for, however, as it would 
mean a return to the city, and even the little ones 
were willing to forego the pleasure of snowballing 
— anything not to have to give up the life that was 
so dear to them on the beautiful Hudson River. 
When the snow did come they begged for a few sleigh 
rides with lots of merry bells, before they should 
have to depart, and Daddy saw to it that their hearts ’ 
wish was gratified. 

Now bidding the caretakers and family goodby, 
with the wish that they should have a happy winter, 
they were about leaving them when they saw little 
Bradley clinging to the old caretaker with tears in 
his eyes, saying, ^ ^ Ich Schreibe, ’ ’ — the little German 
he had learned. His sobs were only quieted by 
KarBs promise to visit him, and on the way the little 
fellow was truly pensive. 

Buskin tells us, ‘‘All one’s life is music if one 


182 


BENVENUTA 


teaches the notes rightly and in tnne/^ so all one^s 
life can be made happy if loving traits are inculcated. 
Ambition is but the shadow of a dream ; why not di- 
rect it to the proper channel! is what thinking people 
are wont to say. 

Through Bradley’s constant solicitude for others, 
his ever-abiding desire to make people happy, the 
city house had been opened and put in proper condi- 
tion to receive them, so that when they entered it, 
unlike most city ones, the logs could be heard crack- 
ling and the chimney sending forth through its bright 
fire a hearty welcome to the very long absentees. 

This, too, was a very sweet home, and both father 
and mother realized it as they gazed about them. 

Were I to tell you all the dear, sweet baby talk 
that passed between those three sweet little darlings, 
you would, I know, enjoy it; but how much further I 
should be from my closing chapters, and that too, at 
this stage of my book begins to inspire interest. In- 
deed, one is tempted to skip a few pages now and 
then just to see how it ends, and then go hack and 
mend the links of the broken chain. May I hope that 
this will be the case with the present book and that 
Amen will not he said with great relief. 

Their mourning would be lightened this winter 
and quiet society matters participated in. The 
opera, that both loved dearly, should he enjoyed ; the 
theaters attended, and once seen at these places it 
would be understood that they were no longer abso- 
lute recluses, and in time their friends would again 
welcome them in their midst. 

Dorothy’s home life was all sufficient to her, but 
Bradley felt she was too young not to have some 


183 


BENVENUTA 


social distractions, and while they would not feel like 
entertaining at home just yet, that would come in 
time. Now they would accept invitations extended 
them and with the beautiful jewels she had, gowns 
must be made correspondingly handsome, and what 
lovelier person could there be to set off the gowns? 

Bradley was very proud of his flower of a wife, 
so attractive in every way and when she said, ‘‘Brad- 
ley,’^ all that was noble was implied, so that there 
was no danger of their ever being corrupted by the 
snares of society, or straying from each other’s con- 
fidence. 

One thing drew them into another, until as the 
Lenten season approached they found themselves 
ready to hail it with delight. But now was the time 
for them to do themselves proud, which they did, giv- 
ing a handsome opera and supper party at Sherry’s, 
to all from whom they had accepted hospitality, and 
as Bradley did everything on a grand scale, this did 
not fall short of his previous undertakings, and it 
was pronounced a most elegant atfair, with some lit- 
tle varieties introduced which were very pleasing. 

Ash Wednesday was an occasion of great relief 
to them and they intended using this holy season as a 
most refreshing excuse for retirement from a whirl 
of fatiguing excitement. Their first really happy, 
peaceful and restful evening at home was truly rel- 
ished ; drawing their chairs near the fire and having 
very little light save what was produced by it, they 
compared the comforts and satisfaction of true home 
life with the frivolities and shallowness of society 
life, and determined that the path of the latter would 
never he satisfying to them. 


184 


BENVENUTA 


If distractions be considered salutary, then why 
not have them of the nature of salons, where cultured 
people congregate, as in the days of the distinguished 
French women of old; to vie with each other in the 
display of elegance and wit of which one never tires. 
That was an incentive to the embellishing of one’s 
brain power, and why should not ambition be in- 
spired anew and taste for a higher standard of mo- 
rality inculcated in a world where fortune permitted 
the attaining of heart’s every desire. 

^^If another season finds us in New York, an ef- 
fort with this end in view might be conducive of 
bringing thoughtful and ambitious people together, 
and a taste acquired would ripen into something com- 
manding respect, while affording genuine pleasure. 
What say you to this dear! Is it not a good idea!” 

‘‘There are women of talents in these days as 
those of yore, but a love of pleasure causes them to 
abandon self-advancement to sensual gratification, 
and no thought is given to one ’s aggrandizement. I 
love them all in their natural grace and beauty, and 
behold them oftentimes with pleasure, then again 
with pity, for their strong points are dominated by 
their weak ones, and God’s endowments are hidden 
beneath the veil of never-ending pleasure seeking.” 

“Now, dear, it is time for us to retire, as the grate 
is full of smouldering embers and the shadows dance 
merrily about your face, atfording me an opportu- 
nity to behold it in all of its motherly beauty, and I 
shall otfer my prayer of thanks, while saying, 

‘I pray thee, chide not she whom I love now, 

Doth grace for grace, and love for love allow.’ ” 


185 


CHAPTER XXVII 


S THEY were about to mount the stairs the 



front doorbell rang. It was rather a late hour, 


and consequently a little startling. Upon 
opening it Bradley was confronted by an officer who 
asked if he knew anything of a person seated on the 
lower step, who seemed to be in a state of stupor, 
without any evidence of accident. 

Bradley replied, ‘‘No, but may I look at himU^ 
He made no remark but was possessed of the idea 
that he was the man with the evil eye, and believed 
the stupor a ruse. “The lock-up is the best place 
for him in my opinion, and before his discharge, I 
have a reason for wishing to see him, if that be per- 
mitted.’^ This was said sub rosa, quite apart, but 
carried its meaning. 

That night when his wife was asleep and perfect 
quiet prevailed Bradley gave the man a careful going 
over in his mind, and all of a sudden he said, ‘ ‘ What 
if it were Charles?” The thought staggered him, 
but the more he dwelt upon it, the more possible he 
considered it. He was the same height, the same 
build, and if not tampered with, of the same coloring. 
An accident might have altered the expression of the 
eye and he was villain enough to wish to destroy his 
former wife’s and his happiness. 

Sleep was out of the question, so he crept quietly 
from the room and going to his den resolved upon 
his course of action for the following day. At break- 
fast his wife remarked that he looked rather weary, 
and he laughed and said, “I had a sleepless night, 
which is often the case when we permit our thoughts 


186 


BENVENUTA 


to gain the mastery over ns. My coffee and the brac- 
ing morning air will make me all right again. 

But Dorothy’s was a penetrating judgment and 
this did not satisfy her. Kissing him good morn- 
ing she said, Don’t fret, it will be just as you want 
it, dear ; things always come your way. ’ ’ 

‘‘Of course, they do, sweet one, and I may be 
home in time for a turn in the park, with the children 
as well. Oh, what a beautiful morning ! ’ ’ and away 
he went with his usual brisk steps to the police head- 
quarters, where he told his business and was prom- 
ised an opportunity of seeing the man as soon as 
possible. 

Bradley then went to his office earlier than usual, 
but there sat faithful Albert, with his happy, beam- 
ing face, ready to greet his benefactor, who became 
daily fonder of the young fellow with such manly in- 
stincts as to be respected by everyone, and who had 
the promise of no slow rise. He had already been 
advanced twice and at that early hour was posted 
about the markets and able to tell Bradley many 
things of interest. 

Shortly things began to be brisk and to put on 
a lively aspect, but as luck should have it, just when 
Bradley was most needed, a policeman called for him 
and when Albert saw him starting off, he stepped in 
front with the question, “Can’t I attend to it, Mr. 
McLaud?” and there was a positive expression of 
dismay upon his face. Bradley laughed, as did the 
policeman, and answered him there was no cause for 
alarm and he would return shortly. 

Arriving at the station where the man was de- 
tained, Bradley was soon convinced that he was not 


187 


BENVENUTA 


only evil-eye, but Charles, whom he scanned with 
looks of snch complete disgust that the man felt the 
secret of his identity was divulged, and like a coward, 
began to cringe, and with his eyes plead for mercy. 

Bradley reflected long upon the matter, knowing 
it would be death from humiliation for his wife, 
were she to learn of it, and yet, it was a hard case 
to handle with the police without exposing mortify- 
ing circumstances. Finally he said to them, ‘‘I am 
the only person whom this person has wronged and 
if you will let me have a few words with him, I may 
avert trouble for you, myself, and not the least, 
him. ’ ^ 

No one could doubt the honesty of a man of 
Bradley ^s type, so stepping outside of the door, 
they closed it and left them face to face. Charles, 
like the undenied coward that he was, fell upon his 
knees and before words had passed his lips, was 
ordered to rise. 

Then Bradley said, ‘‘Is it not enough to have 
brought the greatest unhappiness upon a woman 
who once loved you, and was true to you, and did 
not interfere with you in your choice of life? Now 
what would you have of her, as a noble wife ? Is it 
your purpose to pursue her to the grave while you 
are leading the life of a reprobate, having stained 
the name of an honored family, by taking from it a 
woman who now supports you by the charm her 
voice has for the public? But for my wish to spare 
my wife mortification — nothing else — for you have 
sunken to the lowest degradation in her mind, and 
she fancies you long since passed away — I should 


188 


BENVENUTA 


give you over into the hands of the law and let fate 
take its course. 

As it is, first you must answer my question as 
to what happened to your eye : A blow upon it, most 
likely, has changed its expression, and entitled you 
to the name of evil-eye, which well befits you. 

Now, where is Louise? — in England? and what 
brought you to this country? Perchance to cause us 
trouble? This, by the love I bear my maker, you 
shall not do, and unless you leave this country forth- 
with, never to return to it without being at once 
thrown into prison, I shall hand you over now with 
a history of all the dark deeds of your life, and 
before you leave this room your picture will be taken 
and held for future evidence. AVhat have you to 
say ? ’ ’ 

‘^That you are unmerciful.” 

‘AVhy should I be otherwise with one of earth’s 
deepest dyed villains?” 

must have money before departing.” 

‘‘Your person will be examined, and if needs, 
you will be sent abroad as a steerage passenger, 
but I am convinced you are not penniless. Time 
presses; do my terms suit you? Answer, yes or no.” 

“Yes.” 

‘ ‘ Then you must be examined. ’ ’ 

“Never: I am ready to depart if accorded a few 
hours to myself.” 

“Never: a detective will escort you where you 
wish to go, but you will never be out of his sight 
until the vessel leaves port, and even then the pilot 
who takes the boat across the bar will not cease to 
keep a careful watch over you.” 


189 


BENVENUTA 


A few moments of silence and then, ^‘Well, if I 
must, so let it be/^ 

Bradley opened the door, asked to have his pic- 
ture taken and then told the terms upon which he 
was to leave the country by first vessel leaving port. 
The only questions asked were, ^‘Has he been a 
murderer or a robber 

Neither, gentlemen, and I alone am the sutferer 
from his wrong doings. ‘‘Let your future life be 
a cleaner one than your past one has been, is my 
farewell.’’ 

A few words with the officers and a promise from 
them to do his bidding, and a report to him when 
he was on the broad blue sea, ended that day’s chap- 
ter, and sent Bradley out wondering if it might not 
be a case of his hair growing white in a single night, 
“Too early seen unknown, and known too late.” 

Albert’s face beamed with delight when he saw 
Bradley enter, but he was quick to discover worry, 
so he sent for sandwiches and a glass of milk, think- 
ing he might have forgotten to lunch, which was the 
case. The dear boy’s care of his father, and now 
his aunt, no longer young, caused him to be con- 
siderate and tender with others. 

When Bradley reached home that evening he had 
taken a Turkish bath to smooth out the lines of care. 
It was too late for the park, but with his dear ones 
about him he freshened up and said to little Bradley, 
resting on his knee, “My boy, it is Daddy’s strong- 
est hope that you may grow to be as fine a young 
man as Albert is,” and then he related to his wife 
many admirable tales of a boy-man, who would soon 


190 


BENVENUTA 


be alone in the world, for his aunt was too feeble to 
last long, alas! for him! 

Not many days later a detective called at Brad- 
ley’s office to tell him what had been learned of his 
dealings with Evil-eye. He said, ‘‘I took him to be 
a man who was a deteriorated gentleman. He spoke 
but little, yet what he said gave me that impression ; 
only he was not truthful and he had ample money to 
secure his passage, and wanted to mislead you. He 
was stopping in a modest lodging house where he 
paid his bill, but before he entered he begged me 
not to give him away, but to act as if he were a 
friend. The most displeasing feature was his having 
a large bottle of whiskey from which he drank freely, 
after offering it to me ; and in pulling money from 
his pocket he dropped a fine diamond stud, which 
I picked up, thus having a chance to see it well and 
realize it was a gem of value. Well sir, your orders 
were obeyed to the letter and now he is on the broad 
blue sea, if he has not jumped from the vessel, and 
I take it he is not of the brave kind.” 

Bradley thanked him while giving him a hand- 
some reward, and drew a long breath of relief. Dor- 
othy certainly did love him, but how little apprecia- 
tion she had of how he guarded her against every 
saddening influence, and strove untiringly to fill her 
life with the sunshine of happiness. 


191 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


D uring the Lenten season they saw very little 
of society and sometimes she would insist 
upon his taking her somewhere out of the city 
over Sunday, because she felt the need of a change ; 
and then they were so absolutely together that it was 
most refreshing. 

Aunty ^s being with them was certainly a great 
comfort, enabling them to have many pleasures 
which without her would have been denied them. 

One week they visited friends at South Orange, 
whose little ones were about to have a party, and, 
of course, that was the subject of conversation; but 
it would only be their neighbors, as distances were 
to be avoided in the cold weather. However, the 
lady was a great friend of Dorothy’s and received 
from her many pleasing suggestions; ideas con- 
ceived in their extensive travels which enhanced the 
charm of the entertainment, and made her remember 
it as one to confer with on all similar occasions. 

When they returned to the city on one of the 
evenings of their quiet tete-a-tetes, Bradley said, 
‘‘Don’t you think by the month of August, when 
Benvenuta is so beautiful, we might have a gather- 
ing of little ones to pass the day with ours, giving 
them a new joy and bringing them together with our 
friends’ children?” 

“Yes, dear, but how could that be done?” 
“Simply enough, by having a special morning 
train to bring them to us and an evening one to 
return them to their homes. Let us count how many 
there would be.” 


192 


BENVENUTA 


This done, some names scratched, others added, 
the list at first only ran to thirty, hut by and by 
to forty. 

^^Well, that number we can plan to take care of. 
Most likely there will be some falling off, but I 
think we can make a veritable fairy scene of it, 
which will ever remain fresh in their memories. 
But for the present it had better not he spoken of ; 
discussions so far ahead are apt to lose their snap.’’ 

Little Bradley’s birthday was to he a memorable 
occasion to the children as a child’s jaunting car was 
driven up to the house by a man quite undersized and 
seeming to fit the place perfectly. His livery was at- 
tractive, and the little ones piled in with Elise, who, 
in her French bonne ’s costume, added to the charm of 
the picture, and Daddy and Mother followed in the 
automobile, to be witnesses to the joy afforded them. 
The entire turnout was so complete and pleasing, the 
trap filled with such lovely children, to whom as 
much attention was paid as is to the goat wagons 
on the Champs Ely see in Paris, and was enjoyed by 
everyone. 

In the evening came the regulation birthday cake, 
when Bradley was most fearful lest someone should 
extinguish the life candle. As is always the case, each 
member of the household partook of it with the 
best wishes for the young master, and no doubt their 
dreams were sweet and their hearts overjoyed. 

As spring approached, Bradley purchased two 
fine riding horses and he and his wife prepared to 
enjoy a gallop through the park in the early morn- 
ing when the birds’ music was sweetest and there 
was no bustle. It was long since Dorothy had ridden. 


193 


BENVENUTA 


so that she took a few lessons, but soon showed her 
aptitude and perfect ease in the saddle. They rode 
frequently when the weather permitted, but one 
morning about the season for preparation for return 
to Benvenuta, they had a fine gallop and were near- 
ing home, when Dorothy ^s horse slipped and fell, 
fracturing her arm quite badly, and her being brought 
into the house was a shock to all of the inmates. 

The finest surgical skill was called to attend her 
and shortly she was made quite comfortable; and 
then Bradley admitted her silent suffering had been 
his greatest shock. 

Their departure for the country was hastened, 
as the doctor said quiet would aid in restoring her 
more rapidly, since the nerves had been shattered. 

The sale of the horse was discussed, but Dorothy 
claimed she was riding with a slack rein and entirely 
to blame, as the animal was not in the least a stum- 
bling one, and her wishes were respected to have 
Hero grow to love her as all others did, and to wag 
his tail with delight at the sound of her voice. 

The recovery was an absolute one, and though she 
was timid in mounting at first, she overcame the 
feeling and derived great pleasure afterwards; the 
more so when little Bradley could ride along side of 
her on his little Shetland; which they often did 
through the beautiful enclosure of Benvenuta. 

Albert, whose aunt had recently passed away, was 
given a much needed holiday, for he had attended her 
faithfully during her illness, and was asked to spend 
it with them, which he gladly did, making himself 
useful, beloved and sympathized with, so that all 
hated to see him depart; none more so than young 


194 


BENVENUTA 


Bradley, and Bradley’s father interested himself in 
seeing that he selected a home out of the range of 
contamination, for he wanted him to remain with 
clean young men as long as possible. He was prom- 
ised a day and night’s holiday when the little ones 
should have their lawn party, for he had grown to 
love them all, perhaps little Bradley the most, for he 
never forgot his recollections of “the pretty lady,” 
who was Bradley’s own mother. 

He had been told that until Bradley should be 
able to appreciate he was as dear to her as her own, 
he was never to know anything of Dorothy’s not 
being his mother, and his good sense told him it was 
far happier thus. 

The best month for the event in the children’s 
lives was discussed, and it was thought June, with 
their garden always so full of the most beautiful 
roses, would be the most pleasing time, besides which, 
later on there would be a scattering of friends, many 
not to return before the first frost had blighted the 
beauty of the many rare plants and shed an inhos- 
pitable chill over things. The foliage might be varied 
and beautiful, hut where would the delightful per- 
fume of flowers be? So June was settled upon, and 
now all experienced heads must get to work with 
suggestions which presented themselves to mind, for 
this was to he a memorable occasion, not only for the 
little ones, but for all persons far and wide, to enjoy 
from hearsay, if not from participation. 

One evening not long after orders had been given, 
and many parties were busy as bees, Dorothy found 
Bradley down in one of the summer houses all alone, 
in a most pensive mood. Approaching lightly, she 


195 


BENVENUTA 


stood before him ere he was aware of her presence, 
and beheld upon his face the saddest expression, 
indicating great fullness of heart. Soon she was 
seated at his side and holding his hand, she found 
he was going over in mind all the grand prepara- 
tions which had been made there prior to his mar- 
riage with Annita, and how they were nipped in 
the bud by the accident which befell him; and the 
subsequent weeks passed there during his conva- 
lescing. How happy they had been, and then how 
the shadow of Death had cast its gloom over them 
when she was taken from him, and now. Oh, how 
true that time is a healer for all pain. 

‘‘But Dorothy dear, with me it will never be for- 
gotter nor my love for her memory lessened, and 
sometimes my pain and anguish is most poignant. 
But that does not lessen my love for you, only I can- 
not quell the rush of my brain’s fevered thoughts. 
This was the very spot where we sat the last time 
she walked with me. So often before you brightened 
my life I would catch my self saying, ‘You are looked 
for and called for; asked for and sought for.’ Now 
when I am alone with her I say, ‘Your guidance is 
prayed for,’ and this, my dear, does not arouse jeal- 
ousy, I know, for you are all in all to me. ’ ’ 

Walking away together, plans for the entertain- 
ment were soon being discussed and the little ones’ 
smiles and caresses brushed away every semblance 
of care and made Daddy even romp and play with 
them, as a boy, when he found them awaiting him 
on the lawn near their lovely house. 

When the little ones had said good-night, and 
they sat alone on the piazza, Bradley thought his 


196 


BENVENUTA 


wife seemed troubled. Taking her hand, he said, 
^‘Was it not Goethe who wrote: ‘Since time is not 
a person we can overtake when he is gone, let us 
honor him with mirth and cheerfulness of heart when 
he is passing. ’ ’ ’ And the remainder of the evening 
had no semblance of dejection ; but was full of most 
pleasant suggestions about beautifying all around 
them. 

The 20th of June was the day set, and all was 
astir getting things in readiness for the momentous 
occasion, if only the elements would smile upon them. 
Eeplies to invitations came promptly and so far, no 
regrets. Mamas were arranging suitable toilets, as 
well among guests, as the host and hostesses, and if 
the tablets of little brains were laid bare before us, 
no doubt they would be well worth reading. 

Time seemed to fly and many busy minds and 
active hands were smiling over their beautiful suc- 
cess, in plans well carried out, without stint as to 
their perfection. A special train was procured to 
bring them at noon and to take them away at five p. m. 
Automobiles, which were beautifully adorned with 
flowers, producing a gala etfect, met them at the sta- 
tion, and the merry ringing voices of the little ones 
were more entrancing than the choicest music. 

They had been placed in cars by footmen in the 
family livery, and as they drove into the grounds of 
Fairyland Benvenuta, a famous band of music filled 
the air with choicest strains, and beaming little faces 
paid their respects to the kind host and hostesses, — 
Bradley, Annita and Dorothy, all lovely children, 
upon whom heaven’s choicest blessings had fallen. 


197 


BENVENUTA 


And now it became the duty of all the older ones to 
see that the little ones were kept joyous. 

Bradley ’s brother and sister had arrived the pre- 
vious day, and Mary, such a sweet woman by nature, 
entered into the spirit of it, saying constantly, ‘ ‘ Could 
a more lovely picture be seen 1 ^ ’ 

Eeinhart, in his quiet way, contributed to the life 
of the afternoon, and Albert was sought after from 
all directions, never failing Bradley’s father, when 
needed by him. 

While the sun shone brightly upon their arrival, 
towards three the outlook was threatening, but old 
Eliza, with usual Catholic faith, said, ‘‘Oh, no, it 
will not rain. I have long been praying for bright 
weather, and my prayer will be heard, sure. One 
good turn deserves another, and I have made my 
offering.” Eliza’s prayer was certainly heard, for 
all landed in their own homes before heaven’s over- 
flow reached the earth. 

We read of dances upon the green, but in this 
case not only dancing, but games of all kinds were 
entered into by the little ones, who also partook of 
the most sumptuous repast, each carrying away some- 
thing that would ever remind them of their little 
friends. 

The whole city was talking of the beautiful, mag- 
nificent entertainment, surpassing anything ever 
known before in their midst, and one parent said, 
“We should be happy that they are blessed with 
affluence, for they allow others to enjoy it with them. 
This certainly will make the little McLauds popular 
and known as never before.” 

For days after this an effort was necessary to 


198 


BENVENUTA 


restore the Benvenuta little ones to calm and quiet. 
They were so jubilant that their little eyes danced 
like diamonds in their heads, and their ejaculations 
were about their friends, and everything that was 
amusing. 


199 


CHAPTER XXIX 


O NCE things were restored to original order 
and life’s regular routine established, Brad- 
ley told his brother about his experience with 
‘‘Evil-eye,” and they agreed that he had been on 
their track in disguise for some time. 

“Moreover,” said Eeinhart, “I believe him to 
be a vicious fellow, who, while he may not venture 
to return here, beware of him if you ever cross to 
the other side. It is not so much money, for Louise, 
— who it would seem loves him, and is showered with 
adulation, jewels, and no doubt, even money inde- 
pendent of her earnings, — keeps him, I believe, abun- 
dantly supplied — quite likely to insure her own inde- 
pendence. But he is a malicious fellow and could 
not help respecting and admiring Dorothy as he never 
could a singer. 

“I did not tell you that after returning home he 
appeared in Edinburgh, creating no end of sensation, 
and curiosity led me there to inquire more into the 
fellow. I managed to meet him and to lead up to the 
subject of America. He acknowledged being a New 
Yorker by birth, but told some tale of having lived 
abroad during his early childhood, etc. Of his wife, 
as he called her, being of Spanish extraction, and of 
his being almost a foreigner, not having lived in 
America since the death of his' parents. 

“Then I said, ‘How was your eye injured, giving 
you such a strange expression?’ He bristled up and 
seemed otf ended, when I said, ‘No otfense was meant, 
but your good eye is so bright and pretty.’ This 
paved they way for more information, as flattery 


200 


BENVENUTA 


often does, and he said he received a blow that but 
for his wife, would have caused his death. 

^ ‘ My dear brother, there is no doubt in my mind 
but what he intends harm if he can possibly do it, 
and I am free to admit that it will be a relief to me 
to know that he has passed away, and I am in a fair 
way to learn if he does. Louise will not be long in 
bettering herself, for I tell you she is a corker, and 
some of the English grandees will soon come to the 
front and wed her.’^ 

‘ ‘ Do you suppose, ’ ’ said Bradley, ^ ‘ she would ever 
have the effrontery to speak of her antecedents.’’ 

‘‘I hardly think so; she is one to wish to stand 
on her own merits.” 

All this conversation took place walking under 
the grape arbor, and about this time they were called 
to dinner. At least preparatory notice was given 
them and they went to their rooms to dress for the 
evening. 

At dinner. Sister Mary spoke of a celebrated 
singer having shot at a man in self-defense in Lon- 
don, and it was not yet known if he would die of the 
wound. 

Where did you get that information? was the next 
question. 

^Mn to-day’s paper,” said she, whereupon Brad- 
ley scanned it carefully, and behind the paper, that 
no tell-tale expression should give him away to Dor- 
othy, and they commented on how frequently such 
occurrences took place, and then dropped the subject 
for more pleasing ones. 

Eeinhart proceeded at once to gain every detailed 
account of the matter, and he was soon in communi- 


201 


BENVENUTA 


cation with friends abroad, who informed him that 
no such thing had ever taken place in London, and 
then the two men conceived this to be the work of 
Evil-eye, that they should be thrown otf his track. 

There was nothing more for them to do but bide 
their time, with their wits duly sharpened. 

Before long news reached the United States, re- 
quiring that Bradley should go abroad, and his wife 
could not accompany him on such short notice ; there- 
fore, his brother consented to remain and do faithful 
duty with them all. 

He went directly to Glasgow, where his all-absorb- 
ing thought was to complete his business as expedi- 
tiously as possible. This he did in a fortnight, the 
last day having been spent largely in the outskirts 
of the city. 

That evening when he returned to the hotel he 
was hungry, weary and dirty from the long trip. 
Going to his room to refresh himself, which opened 
upon a dark and quiet corridor, a man stepped for- 
ward and struck at him, and at once it dawned upon 
Bradley it was Evil-eye. 

Beaching for his throat, he threw him to the 
ground and cried loudly for help. When they arrived 
the man was barely breathing, but he was resuscitated 
to find that Bradley’s suspicions were verified and 
that the man was armed. 

He was locked up and court proceedings began 
at once, as reasonable statements demonstrated a 
long absence from home would be most inconvenient 
to the traveler. Bradley’s sincere wish was to have 
the matter conducted most quietly, without making 
family matters, public, and his manly appearance. 


202 


BENVENUTA 


manners and frank outspokenness gained for him 
consideration from the jurors, so that shortly after 
the affair was terminated by Evil-eye being given 
a sentence and Bradley being footloose to return 
home. His prolonged absence was truthfully ac- 
counted for to his brother, who stated it was business, 
red tape, etc., and that was satisfying to the ladies. 

One of the jurors said, am not the least sur- 
prised at his having acquired the name of evil-eye, 
for he has a veritable hangman’s face, and we will 
take care that he gets the full requirements of the 
law — five years’ imprisonment.” 

No time was lost in gaining the first homeward- 
bound steamer, which reached New York without 
anything unusual occurring, save that one of the pas- 
sengers said, ^‘This is my twentieth crossing on the 
Mauretania. Sometimes I have crossed just for the 
sea voyage, and returned without virtually leaving 
the vessel. ’ ’ 

‘‘Considering it was such a new ship, I was im- 
pressed, and asked him if it was largely attributable 
to his confidence in the Captain. He answered me 
in the affirmative and then related many acts of 
bravery and sound judgment on his part. 

“I took them entirely by surprise at home and 
there was great joy in receiving me. Dorothy 
thought I looked careworn (nothing escapes those 
dear, penetrating eyes), but Eeinhart came to my 
rescue by saying ‘such business as he attended to was 
not of a refreshing nature.’ ” 

Soon the delight of being with his loved ones 
smoothed away all the signs of care and he was re- 
lieved that the vicious man had been stored away 


203 


BENVENUTA 


for many a long day, but said, remember a wise 
proverb : 

‘Set not your house on fire, 

To be revenged by the moon.’ 

After all, the man is to be pitied, for there is certainly 
something radically wrong with him, but why should 
we be the sufferers?^’ 


204 


CHAPTER XXX 


N O ONE greeted Bradley more warmly than 
Albert, who kept everything of importance 
filed and placed upon his desk, with great 
pleasure to himself and appreciation on his friend ^s 
part. 

Heat was intense in New York ; business very dull, 
but still duty’s post could not be abandoned. How- 
ever, Albert said, one day, ^ ^ I believe with this dull- 
ness you gentlemen might leave me in charge; and 
a telegram, if it were necessary, would soon land 
you here. I feel that I am capable of attending to 
all matters not of gravest importance. A visit twice 
a week from one of you for the present should steer 
the bark,” and the gentlemen did allow themselves 
more latitude during the intense heat, never to regret 
it, for Albert was vigilance itself, and with the be- 
ginning of the new year Albert found his salary again 
increased. 

Benvenuta was not abandoned until the sharp 
winds reminded them it was like sound and answer- 
ing echo, seeking for sudden harmony, awakened by 
the power of music, which makes two souls vibrate 
in unison. The beautiful cheerful log fires had been 
thoroughly enjoyed, and even James delighted in his 
morning and evening trips to and from school. 

But now, as the lowering clouds predicted snow- 
fall, they must away before many a day to the bustle 
of a noisy city. 

Eeinhart and Mary had about been persuaded to 
remain with them until after Christmas, but much de- 
pended upon news which might reach them from 
home. 

The last Sunday they spent in their ideal spot 

205 


BENVENUTA 


was to have been alone, bnt on Saturday wbo should 
present himself at Bradley’s office but one of his 
friends of earlier days, and as he said laughingly, 
‘‘And returned with full saddle-bags,” as is said 
out west, to lead a life of affluence and ease, which 
I think I deserve after my hard knocks. ’ ’ 

“Well,” said Bradley, “when did you reach civi- 
lization ? ’ ’ 

“A fortnight since, and my time has been spent, 
as they say out west, in getting the hayseed and 
cockleburs off of me, and I add, done up safely to 
be sent hack where they belong. I would not come 
to you until I felt you would recognize me.” 

“Well, I am genuinely glad to see you and you 
must come with me to our country home, to remain 
over Sunday and meet my family.” 

“Of what does .that consist?” asked he. 

“My wife and three children, two by the present 
wife, hut Bradley, the older one, knows of no other 
mother ; nor shall he until reason will show him there 
is no less love. At present my brother and sister 
are visiting us, and I promise you a warm welcome 
and the dearest of homes.” 

While they were talking, Bradley was thinking 
what a fine specimen of a man he was, and how glad 
he was to have him hack; for their recollections 
of each other were of the most agreeable nature. 

“Well,” said Dick (his name was Eichard), let 
us go and lunch at the Savoy, where I am stopping, 
and after that, old fellow, I’m sure I shall be so loath 
to part with you that it will end by my going any 
where just to be with you. 

‘ ‘ Time has dealt fairly with you, Bradley, I hope. 


206 


BENVENUTA 


You look like tlie prosperous man I am told you are.’’ 

‘‘I’m ahead of you, Dick, inasmuch as I have a 
dear family about me, who will gladden my declining 
years; whereas, you, old fellow, are on the selfish 
track, ’ ’ and he laughed. 

“Well, you know what they say: ‘One is never 
too old to mend their ways,’ and that I hope I shall 
do now that I have something to offer the woman who 
honors me.” 

The lunch was jolly, Dick’s amusing experiences 
set forth peals of laughter, while Bradley’s incited 
feelings of envy. 

When lunch was over they went to his apartments, 
which showed every sign of affluence, and when his 
suit case was packed, they took a taxi and departed. 
Notifying Dorothy was not necessary, for they lived 
in unquestioned style, and upon reaching Benvenuta, 
he was pleased at a glance, and impressed everyone 
most favorably with himself. 

Mary was first seen when they met in the living 
room before going to dinner, and his remarks were 
so refined and pleasing that from the start she fancied 
him, and encouraged his relating his experiences with 
the miners, and those people so little known amongst 
persons of culture. 

He sat at Dorothy’s right cela va sans dire,” 
while she occupied her habitual place at her brother’s 
right; Eeinhart having relinquished his regular 
place, fell to the one on Dorothy’s left, and Dick said, 
laughingly, “Now, Brad (for of old he called him 
that), where is the girl you would like me to smile 
on? She ought to be right here,” pointing to his 
other side. 


207 


BENVENUTA 


Dick’s life had been one so free from restraint, 
and the two men in bygone days had been such 
chums, that the natural restraint of present circum- 
stances was thrown otf, and that showed Dick up in 
a most favorable light, and made him from the very 
start beloved. 

Sunday was spent as usual, driving, riding, walk- 
ing and enjoying the beauties of nature afforded by 
this magnificent place, after church had been at- 
tended in the morning. 

When he was asked to go, he said, Bless my life, 
I have not been in church in such an age I shall 
scarcely know how to behave myself. But if Miss 
McLaud will pilot me and be responsible for any 
misdemeanors on my part, I am more than agree- 
able.” Bradley, his wife and the two went in their 
automobile and were repaid by a fair and reasonably 
long service and sermon. 

Upon their return, at the entrance of Benvenuta 
he suggested their walking to the house through the 
lovely grounds, which they did, and when they arrived 
there was a beautiful glow upon Mary ’s face, seldom 
seen there and noted by all. 

That evening Dorothy’s sweet voice, accompanied 
by Mary’s soft notes, filled the air with choice an- 
thems, in which the men sometimes joined, while 
Dick sat thinking how favorably that life compared 
with his void one, and when the ladies and Eeinhart 
said good-night, two warm friends sat over the cheer- 
ful fire, with their whiskey and soda, opening up to 
each other as but few men ever do. They thought 
long of each other, after they had separated, and ideas 
of Mary were entwined in fancy’s wildest dreams. 


208 


BENVENUTA 


Monday morning took the gentlemen away rather 
early, after Dick’s most enthusiastic expressions of 
enjoyment; and Mary was seen at her best, with her 
truly smiling face almost beaming, and making her 
brothers most happy. 

We are told that Great souls by instinct to each 
other turn, demand alliance and in friendship burn.” 
Perhaps this may be proven the case in the present 
instance. 

Now the flurry necessitated by their departure 
on Wednesday began, for even where domestics are 
very numerous, personal supervision is advisable; 
and by the appointed time they were ready to depart, 
leaving lonely hearts, in the way of caretakers, be- 
hind; and being greeted by cheerful ones on their 
city home. 

Life is truly a species of gamut-running, afford- 
ing sometimes pleasant music ; sometimes discordant, 
and those who are happiest are the ones who take 
it as it comes, not dwelling too seriously upon it. 

After the even tenor of life had been restored, 
the question of whether or not the family party was 
to be broken into by a flight into Scotland occurred ; 
and Mary was inclined to decide on remaining in 
America until after Christmas, her pretext being to 
spend it en famille. But a smile played about the 
faces of lookers-on in Venice, and a watch for further 
developments was instituted. 

Shortly after their return, Mr. Bruce (Dick), 
called, and the family were most pleased to see him ; 
but as luck would have it, Mary was the only one 
not called away to fill an engagement; a fact not 
distasteful to him, and possibly not to her. 


209 


BENVENUTA 


On this memorable occasion Dick spoke frankly of 
himself and family, while Mary disclosed the sad 
side of her life, to meet with that sympathy which 
is often the forerunner of love. But Mary conceived 
the idea that she owed a duty to her brother, and 
rebutfed all lover-like advances from the start. She 
little knew that she had encountered an indomitable 
will, which was dauntless in any and all undertakings 
and that once having been led to believe that a pref- 
erence existed for him, no arguments would baffle 
him. Try as she might, his master strength in love 
for her would dominate. Along about Christmas 
time the family began to realize that it was a case 
of strength against conscience, and they hoped the 
former would be the victor. 

Christmas, as is always the case, especially where 
there are little ones, was merry, and Dick seemed to 
enjoy every feature of it. In fact, when approached 
by Bradley, who thought he was in a pensive mood, 
and being told ‘^A penny for your thoughts,’^ he re- 
plied, ‘^They are not worth it. Simply going back 
to the days of my extreme childhood when I still had 
a mother, whose pleasure it was to make my life 
happy; just what is being done for your bright chil- 
dren. ’ ’ 

When the packages were opened there was one 
for everybody in the house, and Dick had not been 
forgotten. His was a lovely heart-shaped box, con- 
taining stud buttons and a motto, ‘ ‘ Faint heart never 
won fair lady. ’ ’ The present was from Bradley and 
the sentiment was not without its significance. 

Mary received a book, Rodger’s Italy, the con- 
tents of which are the choicest poetry, and it delighted 


210 


BENVENUTA 


her. Much as her heart prompted her, her judgment 
forbade her bestowing any personal gift, and now, on 
that night, which was a cold, crisp one, he managed 
to succeed in their going off for a little stroll. She 
was warmly protected by softest furs, and as they 
walked beneath heaven’s starry canopy, where the 
tell-tale orbs smiled down upon them, Dick poured 
out his tale of love in the manly state that inspires 
respect in every woman’s heart, and her very waver- 
ing filled him with hope, and dispelled from his eyes 
the gloom that overshadowed them when they de- 
parted for their walk. 

Mary made his courtship a trying one by con- 
stantly presenting her side of duty’s demands upon 
her; and though he felt that his feelings were re- 
quited, he said, ‘Mt may be a case of noblesse exige. 
Then where am I?” 

The family all showed their appreciation of him, 
and that she saw, but delicacy forbade the least inter- 
ference on their parts, and things progressed tire- 
somely slow to poor Dick, who sometimes thought 
he was better otf out in the wilds of the west, before 
he had known anything of conjugal love. 

An uncle had been interested with him in his suc- 
cessful mining exploits, and had been the means of 
his going to New York in this way : He said to him, 
‘'Dick, we have both applied ourselves strenuously 
to business, with fine results. I am no longer young, 
but you are, and I want you to cast your lot away 
from here. Go east and find some noble woman to 
share your life and prosperity with you ; that which 
I should have done but for being too poor and too 
proud to ask any woman to share my life and hard- 
ship.” 


211 


BENVENUTA 


He had taken his uncle’s advice and now when 
happiness seemed within his grasp there was such 
an uncertainty about it that it was veritable torture. 

One evening when he had left Mary and gone to 
his apartments, where he sat thinking how strange 
it is that coveted happiness is often within our reach, 
yet out of our grasp. Just then a tap at the door 
brought him to more sober thoughts, for a telegram 
was handed him saying his uncle was very ill and 
wanted to see him. 

Without any delay he called Mary to the ’phone 
to tell her of the news, and to say that as he must 
leave early the following day, he would like to see her, 
notwithstanding the lateness of the hour. Without 
hesitancy, she replied, ‘‘Certainly; come at once,” 
and as soon as a taxi could land him at their house 
he was there. 

After laying his plans before her, she said, “And 
how long will you he absent?” 

‘ ‘ That I do not know ; I may never return. ’ ’ 

The color left her face and her hands became cold, 
as tears welled in her beautiful eyes, when looking 
at him, she said, “ If I accompany you, how long can 
you wait for that right to he bestowed upon us?” 

‘ ‘ Mary, do you mean that, and would you for love 
of me, relinquish all you have here to follow me into 
a comfortless rough land?” Dick said, controlling his 
anxious feelings for his uncle. “How soon could 
you be ready for the blessing to be given and our 
departure to follow?” 

Then there was a heart-to-heart talk and she 
concluded to call Bradley and place the matter be- 
fore him. When he entered the room they held each 


212 


BENVENUTA 


others hand and there was a pleased flush upon his 
face. Bradley smiled, and laughingly said, ^‘Aha! 
you’ve gone and done it, as the boys say. Well, I am 
delighted, hut why this nocturnal announcement?” 

After it was all explained to him, he said, ‘ ‘ Mary, 
if you feel as you say you do, I am proud of you, 
for if a woman loves a man she should he willing to 
share any life with him, and now things must be 
done as expeditiously as possible, for Dick’s de- 
parture must not he delayed. I will arrange for the 
minister to marry you at noon to-morrow, and you 
will leave by night train. With Dorothy’s and your 
brother’s help, you should be sent off quite credit- 
ably, my dear sister; and I must tell you now that 
in the whole wide world you could not have found 
a man more deserving of the honor you are bestow- 
ing upon him.” 

Shaking Dick’s hand, he departed, to let them 
say a good-night, not to be forgotten; Mary going 
to her room to commence gathering her things ; Dick 
to his to throw his, man-like, into his trunk and grip, 
and to regret that the hour would not admit of his 
whistling, even though he was lamenting his uncle’s 
condition. ‘‘But God grant he may be spared to ap- 
prove of my choice and give us his blessing.” 

With the dawn of day all was abustle in their 
home and as soon as permissible Dick was whistling 
as never before in his life. By noon Mary was at- 
tired in a new tailored suit and Dick in the conven- 
tional style, both looking handsome, as happiness 
makes the most ordinary appearing person, though 
each had more than their share of attraction. 

No one was present at the wedding hut the fam- 


213 


BENVENUTA 


ily and household. After partaking of a sumptuous 
breakfast, the groom left the bride to complete his 
arrangements, giving her time to do the same with 
hers, and when time came for them to part, there 
was sorrow mixed with happiness, for Mary had 
taught everyone to love her, and, of course, she would 
be missed. 

Of all of them, poor Reinhart was the only one 
to be pitied, for he was left alone, and his brother 
teasingly said, ‘‘Would not Hester fit in quite well, 
nowf^’ 

Reinhart remained until after New Year’s and 
the only regret about the jolly festivities was the 
absence of Aunt Mary and Uncle Dick, who were 
thankful that Dick’s uncle was still alive when they 
reached him, and cheerfully gave them his blessing. 
He lingered for some time, clear of mind, but feeble 
of body, and now was the time for Mary to shoAV 
what a noble woman she was, in all her tenderness 
for him. 

New Year’s eve, when the bells rang the old year 
out and the new year in, he passed away in Dick’s 
arms and clinging to Mary ’s hand, who saw to it that 
the light of religion shone upon him, and that he had 
joined her in the same prayer said by his ancestors, 
which shed a comforting glow of resignation over 
everything. 

He was cremated, according to his wishes, and 
when all was over and the will opened, it was found 
that love had prompted him to remember the wife 
of his favorite nephew generously, and with a few 
lines that touched her heart. The only regret was 


■j ^ 


214 


BENVENUTA 


that he had dictated and not written them, which 
feebleness prevented. 

Mary found that their surroundings were those 
prompted by refinement, and that life was less crude 
than expected. The people were plain, but well mean- 
ing and felt they had lost a good friend in the recent 
death, but were ready to render Dick any assistance 
in facilitating the winding up of matters, that they 
might away to more congenial climes. 

Dick was blissfully happy, when he did not think 
of his old uncle, of whom he was so fond, and Mary 
was satisfied she had made no mistake. Her time 
was filled in bringing sunshine into the lives of those 
about her, while Dick was closing out matters witli 
as little loss as possible, but with a decision indi- 
cating he was not of a vacillating nature; nor one 
willing to demand great sacrifices of the dear woman, 
who thought nothing too hard to do for him. 

Their Christmas had been a bright one in New 
York, but Mary had done cheering things about the 
ill man’s bed, dispelling all the gloom she could, and 
New Year’s morning she read the Christmas carols 
— never too late — and some of them she sang, her 
sweet voice causing tears to flow from the old man’s 
eyes, and from the husband’s a glow of happiness 
and gratitude for what she was to them both. 

When they would be able to leave that country 
and depart for home was most uncertain, but Mary 
could see plainly that Dick was exerting his utmost 
not to lengthen her torture and absence from home, 
dear ones and accustomed comforts, so that she was 
the dearest of \vives to this fondest of husbands, and 


215 


BENVENUTA 


even in this plain style of living they found they were 
all in all to each other. 

Shakespeare said, ‘‘The amity that wisdom knits 
not, folly may easily untie. ^ * 

Theirs were lives of sound judgment and good 
cheer. Letters from home were received with great 
joy, and theirs were no less welcome. Mary wrote 
begging Eeinhart not to cross the water without see- 
ing her again ; if not in New York, in their far-away 
western home, and when he grew restless it was a 
question as to which way to turn his face. 

Much to their regret, it was a late spring, con- 
tinued ice and snow keeping them house-bound, 
though longing each day the more for beautiful 
Benvenuta. The first green leaf, a merry chirp of 
the birds, sent delight to their hearts and made 
their calculations start anew with throbbing antici- 
pations. 

Matters progressed nicely with the western 
branch of the family, and one day Dick said, “After 
all, my dear, success is to get as much out of life as 
one can, don’t you think so? And this we must do 
for ourselves and those about us.” 

About the time that dear Dorothy, the true wife 
and loving mother, was arranging to close their city 
house, Mary and Dick were gladdening the hearts of 
those about them by distributing all their household 
effects among the miners and working people of 
their camp; such riches as tliey never expected to 
own, though most simple in the eyes of Dick and 
Mary, brought a thrill of long-to-be-remembered hap- 
piness, and when they departed many a dejected face 
followed them till out of sight. 


21C 


BENVENUTA 


Reaching New York in the lovely month of May, 
Mary found her brother’s house closed; they had all 
gone to flourishing Benvenuta. So they settled in 
a handsome suite in the Savoy, where he had been 
before he was married, and enjoyed life until the 
heat became very great, and they were urged to go 
to the country. 

Reaching Benvenuta on one oppressive evening, 
they found all seated on the lovely lawn, in cool sum- 
mer gowns, without any idea of personal experience 
of what was being endured in the city ; and soon they 
were casting votes of thanks for what they were 
escaping. 


217 


CHAPTER XXXI 


R EINHAET had fled from the country, feeling 
his sister’s marriage had made another void 
in his life, more to be appreciated in an atmos- 
phere which reminded him constantly of his own 
mistake ; and a longing overcame him to see Hester, 
the only woman for whom he had ever any romantic 
sentiment. Perhaps they might feel that life would 
be more complete were they united. This he confided 
to his brother before departing and they all hoped 
she might add another member to the family. 

Mary regretted not meeting him, at the same time 
hoped it would prove for the best. Dick and she were 
truly happy in this ideal spot with those loved chil- 
dren about them, but they sometimes expressed a 
fear that Dorothy was not as strong as all would 
like her to be; but fearing to distress Bradley, the 
subject was not discussed, though she was watched 
with loving care and tenderness. Sometimes it 
seemed that her devoted husband feared, but would 
not admit to himself. 

Shortly after Reinhart reached Scotland he 
learned from his letters that Hester had entered a 
religious order, where she was making her ability 
and strength of character felt by the good work she 
was doing. He had gone to see her and been received 
as a friend, no one knowing anything of their past 
liistory, and the peaceful contented look which shone 
from her eyes was proof sufficient that God’s work 
had been done with her, and at least in her heart 
tliere was no tinge of regret. 

They parted, she giving him a small religious 


218 


BENVENUTA 


memento, which he promised to wear ; he going forth 
on a more solitary mission than ever. 

His next step — anything to take him out of him- 
self — was to make inquiries about Evil-eye and to 
learn with great relief that he had been shot unto 
death while trying to make his escape from prison. 
This was news which he lost no time in dispatching 
to his brother. 

The family occupying the old home kept it in 
such order, at least on the exterior, that feelings 
of regret were spared him, but a wish came to his 
heart that Mary might long for the association of 
her youth and induce Eichard to return to that hal- 
lowed spot, where again they would live in peace and 
happiness in the shadow of bygone days, so replete 
with all that was good and noble. 

Ofttimes Mary, too, had the wish to see her old 
home, and seated on the green sod at the entrance 
to their beautiful vault, the last resting place of her 
dear ones, commune with her own thoughts, while 
loving the songsters who afforded such constant and 
sweet music to those seeking the spot as the one 
calculated to inspire good intentions and fit one to 
soar high when called to join their beloved. 

As autumn days approached and the feeling came 
over her that they must he shielded from the blasts 
of winter, she and Dick discussed their future plans 
without reaching any final decision about them for 
quite a while. 

Mourning for their uncle would bar them from 
social intercourse, and they conjectured that the fam- 
ily would be loath to part with them ; therefore, they 
suppressed their wish to go back to Scotland, and 


219 


BENVENUTA 


when the lease of their property had expired, to 
return, all three of them, to the family domain, and 
live there as their ancestors had done before them. 

Albert had attracted the attention of Dick and 
he expressed a desire to adopt him, which was dis- 
cussed with Bradley, who loved the young fellow, as 
well as his own, but realized that such a step would 
further Albert’s worldly success, advancing him more 
rapidly, while making life far easier for him than 
in the treadmill procedures of New York business 
men; so that it was talked over with him, but Dick’s 
kind offer declined by reason of his fondness for 
Bradley, and he remarked, ‘‘I have learned that at- 
tachment means far more to me than money, and 
while I deeply appreciate the offer, I must decline 
to accept it, if I am giving entire satisfaction where 
I am.” 

Naturally, this decision endeared him the more 
to both men, and Dick felt that from his well-filled 
coffers he could afford to make him a generous 
present, when he would be leaving the country, as 
he knew he ultimately would do. Bradley gave 
Albert’s hands a very warm grip when the interview 
was over, but his appreciative heart was too full for 
utterance, and in his mind he resolved to give him 
the standing of an own son. 

Not so long thereafter, Reinhart wrote that he 
had seen Louise and that she was one of the grand- 
est specimens of women that could be fancied. The 
whole tone of his letter was indicative of veritable 
infatuation, which caused his brother and sister great 
concern, lest he should take a rash step ; therefore, 
very suddenly Mary and Dick embarked to join him. 


220 


BENVENUTA 


never letting liim know that they had received the 
news, and soon after reaching the other side he 
extended them an invitation to attend the opera 
in a box. 

They accepted without saying anything that 
would convey the idea that they were suspicious. 
It was a magnificent full house, the elite of Glasgow 
were present and she, known as Mademoiselle Ca- 
mille, was radiantly beautiful, with a voice that kept 
everyone spellbound, and staggered them with aston- 
ishment, both on her account and the rapturous state 
of Eeinhart^s state of mind and feelings. Her cos- 
tumes and magnificent jewels bespoke great pop- 
ularity and she was fairly showered with bouquets 
of rarest, most beautiful flowers, Reinhart’s, no 
doubt, being amongst them. 

Going to the hotel where they were stopping from 
the play, Reinhart awoke within their breasts feel- 
ings of keenest anxiety ; though they toyed with the 
subject of his infatuation as a fish does with the 
fly upon the rod, and their appreciation of her mer- 
its as a singer was as it should have been with any- 
one known only to them as a highly cultivated bird. 
They enthused only enough not to be suspected. 

During the following day Dick ascertained that 
she was creating a great furore amongst the noblest 
of the land and that the idea was conceived that as 
soon as she was well married it would be found that 
the bird had flown to a more substantial and less 
wearying nest. 

Reinhart was blissfully happy and known to be 
much in her society. Mary undertook upon one oc- 
casion, with all the delicacy possible, to talk Avith him 


221 


BENVENUTA 


upon the subject, to learn that he ranked himself 
among her greatest admirers, and hoped in time to 
bring her into his life as his wife. This crushed 
Mary so that it was long before she could collect her- 
self and tell him that they had come over to open the 
dear old home for all three of them, and embark in 
a life that no doubt would give him a true, noble wife 
of whom they should always be proud, instead of 
ever anxious ; fearing the same return to life, which 
had become stronger tlian herself, as was the ease 
with Hortense, or Mademoiselle Felice. 

‘ ‘ Think well, my dear brother, of the risk you are 
taking, and of the unhappiness you will cause us all. 
I, for one, will return to America, and Scotland will 
never see me again ; but Bradley and I ^vill never con- 
sent to her occupying the home of our sainted mother. 
I blush to think that a woman of her stamp should 
ingratiate herself into your favor. 

‘‘Now, Mary,^^ said Eeinhart, “go no further, for 
you are wronging the woman. Her first step was a 
false one when that villain Charles deceived her, and 
then necessity drove her to the stage, where she has 
not had an easy life, but always kept him well pro- 
vided with money and her character has not been as- 
sailed. It has given her a standing with men of note, 
and if I do not carry off the trophy, I know a man 
of standing who will.^^ 

“Should you succeed in this frenzied undertaking 
of yours, you will cut yourself aloof from your 
brother and myself, and if this be your contempla- 
tion, I beg you to give me time to be out of the coun- 
try before disgrace reaches us. In a week from now 
Hick and I will have looked into matters concerning 


222 


BENVENUTA 


us, and then if you will ally yourself with her, let us 
know, and we will leave not for a short time hut for- 
ever. Alliance with a person of that type will sep- 
arate you from all of your own, and when she shall 
have secured your money you will be left an old, 
broken and lonely man ; for that is the attraction with 
her, my poor brother. You are not the type of man 
to inspire true love in a woman of loose ideas, and 
you say with high and mighty suitors before her. 
No, no, I implore you not to take the step.’’ 

He angered, as any man would under similar cir- 
cumstances, and then left her in a frenzied state of 
mind. 

She and her husband went about attending to 
business and at the expiration of a week, were 
shocked to learn that he had left the country with her 
for Paris, on his mad flight. They could learn of no 
marriage, and hoped he had not given her a name, 
highly honored since time immemorial. 

Whether to remain for the winter as intended or 
not, was what was then troubling them. Bradley’s 
advice was to do so, as their presence would afford 
him time for reflection, and perhaps more rational 
behavior. 

Weeks passed by and no news came of him. 
Finally it was ascertained he had made her his wife 
and selected Paris as their place of abode. The 
brother and sister resolved to let him pass out of 
their lives and with this decision came the one to 
select a home in New York for themselves, where 
the united members of the family could reside in 
peace and happiness. 

Shortly thereafter they took the Lusitania for 


223 


BENVENUTA 


New York, and encountered so terrific a storm that 
the vessel and passengers were almost lost, and they 
reached the city in such a state, that they were towed 
in, presenting the sorriest sight, and neither of them 
cared to refer to their experiences or to take another 
voyage. 

They went to the Savoy, their former stopping 
place, and soon were at Bradley’s home with a world 
of news, amusing as well as distressing, to tell. It 
was Sunday noon when they dropped in upon them 
and there was great surprise, as the anticipated trip 
had not been written of ; and great was the merry- 
making over the return of the loved ones, from both 
old and young. Their joy was great but the one 
thing prevented the existence of supreme happiness. 

Who was it said Thought is deeper than all 
speech ; feeling deeper than all thought V’ So it was 
with Mary, who saw that Dorothy was failing, and 
yet she must not let her brother know that she had 
noticed it. Bradley, too, was showing signs of care 
and responsibility. His brother ’s conduct was mor- 
tifying, but his wife’s condition was heartrending; a 
gradual failing without any pronounced traceable 
cause. She was more beautiful than ever with her 
ethereal look, and her lovely children constantly 
about her, for she was the fondest of mothers, and 
made the sweetest of pictures. 

Little Bradley seemed to cling to her even more 
than her own ; the dear boy who never had been told, 
and when his father was not about it was his pleasure 
to consider her every want, remain constantly with 
her, entertaining her with his boyish pranks, etc. 
His love for her could never be doubted. 


224 


BENVENUTA 


Louise name by this time was overshadowed 
by that of Mrs. Eeinhart McLaud, but she was run- 
ning the gauntlet and stimulating the pride of the 
man many years her senior, by her acknowledged 
beauty and charm, gaining admiration at every step ; 
thereby making him oblivious of everything but his 
own happiness. How long this would last was a 
question asked by many, and time alone could an- 
swer it. 

Something of importance arose and it was thought 
that Albert, although still young, would prove himself 
equal to the requirements, so that he was sent abroad 
to attend to the matter. It was his first visit and 
everything was alluring to him but his w^as a steady 
character, not to be swerved from the right path; and 
after securing the desired information, and follow- 
ing out instructions given him, he went to Paris for 
a few days, where he met Eeinhart, of whom he knew 
nothing disparaging, and learning of his marriage 
was greatly surprised. 

Taken to his magnificent home to meet his beau- 
tiful wife, who certainly charmed the boy with her 
grace and loveliness, but his farseeing eyes prompted 
him to believe all was not right, and when offered the 
hospitality of their home he declined it, upon the 
ground that his time was most limited. 

When he left their grand home he asked himself 
why he had never heard of the marriage or the pres- 
ent home. It seemed queer and he congratulated 
himself upon having declined the invitation and be- 
ing again upon his own resources. 

He had but two more days in Paris which he put 
to profitable use, but being very handsome, more 


225 


BENVENUTA 


than one snare was offered him, and if temptations 
existed they were shunned, sending him back home 
with only creditable statements to make and no feel- 
ing of remorse. 

After all points had been discussed most satis- 
factorily, Albert spoke of his Paris experiences, and 
expressed surprise at not having heard of the mar- 
riage, etc., etc. Then he spoke of the affluence in 
which they lived, of his beautiful wife, whom he 
called ^‘darling,’’ and when asked why he refused 
the proffered hospitality, he replied, ‘ ‘ Frankly, I can- 
not say why ; only my intuition guided me and I have 
not regretted it.’’ The gentlemen proffered no in- 
formation, but said he had acted very wisely and ex- 
pressed their entire satisfaction over his report. 

When Albert was alone he said to himself, ‘‘All 
is not right, but my position requires silence now and 
at all times upon the subject.” 

Not long after Bradley took Albert for a drive 
and told him that perfect confidence in his discretion 
prevented his fearing to remove the feeling that must 
exist within him as to the secrecy of his brother’s 
marriage, and to say that he was more than glad he 
had not remained in their home : ‘ ‘ But, frankly, my 

boy, why was it?” 

‘ ‘ I could not for the life of me explain why. Now, 
I think it was my father’s ever guiding hand saved 
me from incurring your displeasure, which would 
certainly make me very unhappy. Mr. McLaud, I 
am sufficiently thoughtful to realize that friends are 
the greatest boons a person can possess, especially 
when not independent of the world, as I am. ’ ’ 

As much as could be told so young and inexpe- 


226 


BENVENTJTA 


rienced a person to account for the lack of interest 
between the brothers, was told him and he was glad 
to be able to understand the situation. 

Returning home after the drive Albert was taken 
to his house to dine, where everyone was glad to see 
him and they spent a pleasant evening; but Albert 
was sorry to have to admit to himself that Bradley ^s 
wife seemed to be fading away, like the sweetest and 
dearest of flowers, ‘‘"^^at a pang this will be to 
my best of friends ! ’ ’ 

Many New Yorkers upon returning from abroad 
expatiated upon the beauty and charm of Reinhart’s 
wife, whom he sought every opportunity to make 
known to them ; but they soon realized an estrange- 
ment existed, and they were not slow in inquiring 
into the cause of it, and ever after she was not dis- 
cussed, thus saving them considerable embarrass- 
ment. 

Time went on and it was not long before the love 
of notoriety was beginning to assert itself. A beau- 
tiful home, the greatest affluence, and every heart’s 
desire gratified did not suffice for one who had lived 
upon excitment, and soon Louise was again before 
the footlights, charming everyone with her magnifi- 
cent, almost unheard of, voice; and exercising such 
an influence over Reinhart that he tramped about 
with her, filling her engagements for a long time, but 
finally disgust overcame him, and he left for parts 
unknown leaving her to follow to the end the life 
fraught with delusions; while his was wrecked by 
drink, and before any of his loved ones could reach 
him he wandered aimlessly through very remote 
countries, carefully guarding his identity, and was 


227 


BENVENUTA 


looked upon as a man of broken spirit, about whom 
the mantle of life closed, leaving another record of 
a man’s sad ending, brought about by a woman de- 
void of noblest instincts concentrated in love. 

A few lines were found upon his person addressed 
to his brother and sister giving instructions about 
his being laid away in the family vault in Scotland ; 
— ^nothing more, and loving hearts were left behind 
to mourn his loss, but to give no credence to the re- 
port that Louise was overcome with grief over the 
effect produced by her behavior with a man such as 
she had never before known. 

This added greatly to the trials of the family, who 
were much attached to him in spite of his peculiari- 
ties — especially Mary, who had striven so hard to 
prevent his taking the foolish step, remembering, no 
doubt, that we are told that ‘‘One false step to hell’s 
perdition leads;” and in this all realize there is 
much truth. 

Of course, they anticipated a call upon them for 
her share of the estate, but when they were satisfied 
beyond a doubt he had made her his wife, they waited 
for no commotion to be created, simply sending her 
what she was entitled to by law, and that they hoped 
would end all communication. Their greatest wish 
was never in any way to be brought in contact with 
her. 

For a while she seemed to have retired from be- 
fore the footlights, but when newspaper articles came 
out voting for the world’s most noted voice, it was 
too much for her and coming forward she fell in line, 
and without the least effort was awarded the palm 


228 


BENVENUTA 


for possession of a voice in which nothing was want- 
ing, as it was simply perfection. 

A certain appreciation of gentility prompted her 
not to relate private family matters to the world, and 
soon the few who surmised something of actual facts 
forgot everything, but that she was Mademoiselle 
Camille, the World’s Bird Wonder. 

As age came upon her, and the powers of her 
charms lessened, some of the finer instincts of her na- 
ture assumed supremacy, and she determined that lit- 
tle Bradley should become sole heir to his uncle ’s pos- 
sessions of every nature whatsoever at her demise, 
and proceeded to have the required papers framed 
before there should he any question as to her lunacy, 
or otherwise. Of course, this was not to be known 
of during her lifetime, but with one of so noted and 
public a character it was hard to preserve the de- 
sired secrecy and with greatest calmness — yea, even 
happiness— she sought entire seclusion, where she 
might sink into oblivion and the candle of her life be 
extinguished by the breath of deepest remorse — one 
might say. 

Ere she had passed away, as afterwards learned, 
the family were made to realize that even beneath 
the vanity and heartlessness of her nature a good 
streak was dormant, and they hoped its light would 
show her into another and better world. Mary said 
one day, ‘‘As Camille had her strong points of good- 
ness, let us hope that Florice, the danceuse had hers, 
and that while they spoiled the happiness of more 
lives than one before the darkness of night folded 
itself about them, the assurance of God’s mercy had 
given them solace.” 


229 


BENVENUTA 


Many questions had been asked concerning her 
place of retreat, but without satisfactory results, un- 
til relief came to them by virtue of her orders, that 
she had passed away with hope that as she had 
atoned for all her wrong doings forgiveness might 
be cherished in the hearts of those whom she had 
wronged. Needless to say that even though Chris- 
tianity prompted them to crave for mercy with the 
poor woman, no greater relief could have been af- 
forded them, and now Mary and her husband could 
feel that they might return to their home in Scot- 
land and see the last resting place of all her dear 
ones — most tearfully that of the noble brother who 
had wrecked his own life by means of lending too 
ready an ear to the whisperings of flattery and a 
non-realization of his own idiosyncrasies. 


230 


CHAPTER XXXII 


B EFOEE departing they would visit the family 
at Benvenuta, where all was peace and sun- 
shine save for dear Dorothy ^s declining health. 
But, my friends and readers, while it is the cus- 
tom of many novel writers to give the hero or heroine 
of their book either a tragic or remarkable ending of 
some kind — perhaps springing from a window to 
save a loved one from a house in flames ; or to throt- 
tle a rival ; if not to nurse or care for one with whom 
the ravages of tuberculosis have told their sad tale ; 
all this being portrayed in such a realistic way as to 
cause a reader to close a hook having tear-stained 
cheeks — my wish is to make you remember this book 
with delight atforded by the thought that the candle 
of life can be extinguished in an atmosphere of the 
perfume of sweet roses, with peace and contentment 
such as a well spent life oflfers as its reward. 

This we are going to And the case with Dorothy, 
in her comparative youth, with everything to live for, 
and so much to offer others, as she finds that her end 
is approaching, and summoning all the loved ones 
about her, bids them a peaceful farewell, with the re- 
quest that they mourn not, but strive to lead such 
lives as in time would bring them to her. And while 
the birds are singing sweetly, the honeysuckle vines 
creeping about her windows, filling the air with de- 
licious perfume and twilight is shedding its softest 
rays everywhere, she passes away in the arms of her 
tenderest of husbands, her little ones being as min- 
istering angels to waft her soul on high from her 
beloved home, Benvenuta, to God^s choicest realms 
in the Kingdom of Heaven. 


231 


Thus is drawn about a noble character, the man- 
tle of a cruel fate, which has emblazoned upon its 
folds, God’s elect are those most sorely tried.” 










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